TRAFALGAR SQUARE & WHITEHALL

TRAFALGAR SQUARE & WHITEHALL

I used to remember Trafalgar Square as a place for meeting of the pigeons, however, the government had stopped the pigeons from settling here, a few years ago.

Yet, I still love to come over to Trafalgar Square but this time 'Lonelier” because I missed the gathering of pigeons, found here.

HERE I AM AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE WITH MICKEY AND MINDY

What is left behind are the statues and the bronze lions, as well as fountains.

My only wish is that the pigeons will return one fine day. It is just a wishful thinking!

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

To start off the walk – I choose the Trafalgar Square – which was once famous of its pigeons, demonstrations and New Year revelries, was laid out by Sir Charles Barry in 1829 – 1841 on the site of the Royal Mews, its name commemorates the great naval battle of 1805 when the French fleet was defeated by the English under Admiral Lord Nelson, whose monument known at Nelson's Column, was erected in 1843 by EH Baily. The four bronze reliefs at the base of the column illustrate naval battles and were cast from captured French cannon. The bronze lions by Landseer were cast by Marochetti and erected in 1867. The two fountains designed by Lutyens were added in 1939. 

 

HI! BRONZE LION

Spanning the whole of the north side of the square is the National Gallery, which houses one of the world's great art collections. It began in 1824, with the purchase by the government of the 38 paintings belong to the late John Julious Angerstein. As the collection grew, more space were need, and in 1838 it moved to the present building, the work of William Wilkins. 

NATIONAL LIBRARY

Over to the right of Trafalgar Square - one will see the beautiful Admiralty Arch which stands at the entrance to the Mall, which leads to Buckingham Palace. It was designed by Sir Aston Webb as a memorial to Queen Victoria. The central gate is usually closed as only the sovereign may pass through it. On the south side of the square, stands the equestrian statue of Charles I designed by Le Sueur – it stands on the site of the original Charing Cross.

ADMIRALTY ARCH

Stretching south from Trafalgar Square is Whitehall – which contains many government offices. On the left are – Great Scotland Yard, home of the Metropolitan Police until end of the 19^th century, and the Ministry of Defence. On the right, are the Admiralty and further down, is the Horse Guards, designed by William Kent. The mounted guard by the Household Cavalry is relieved every hour, and at 11 am – the colorful ceremony of Changing of the Guards takes place, here. 

POSING WITH CHANGING OF GUARD OUTSIDE THE GATE ENTRANCE

 

Almost opposite is the Banqueting House, the main surviving part of Whitehall Palace – built by Inigo Jones in 1619-1622 in Palladian style. Charles I passed through a window of the hall to his execution in 1649. A staircase leads to the spacious Banqueting Hall, whose impressive ceiling was designed by Rubens. It was commissioned by Charles I – and shows allegorical scenes glorifying the monarchy.

NO. 10 DOWNING STREET - THE HOME TO BRITAIN PRIME MINISTER

Further down right, is the famous Downing Street – named after its builder, Sir George Downing, and contains the Prime Minister's residence at No. 10 Downing Street.

The Cenopath in the centre of Whitehall was designed by Lutyens and commemorates the death of the two World Wars.

At the end of King Charles Street on the right are the cabinet War Rooms – these underground rooms, now open to public were used as emergency accommodation for Winston Churchill, the War cabinet and the chiefs of staffs during the Second War World.

2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2018

BYE BYE TO THE PIGEONS AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE