Trafalgar Square

In 1805, Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British Royal Navy into victory in the historic Battle of Trafalgar, against the combined fleet of the French and Spanish Navy. 22 ships out of 33 ships were lost by the French and Spanish while the British navy lost none of her 27 ships. He lost his life in this decisive battle and affirmed his place in British history as a hero. Trafalgar Square was named in honour of this battle and Nelson's column rises above all in this square.

Nelson lost his arm in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and his life in the Battle of Trafalgar. Legend has it that in order to bring him back after the victory in Trafalgar, the men on board the Victory put him in a barrel of whisky as a pickling substance. As opposed to others who died in sea and were subsequently thrown to the sea, he was brought back to England for a state funeral.

Next to the square was the National Portrait Gallery. We did not have a chance to visit it though, our time spent in London was actually too short. It was well recommended as well, but we have to save it for another time, if any.

We did however have time to linger around the square even after nightfall. The gallery was closed at that time. There were still quite a crowd at the square, just enjoying the cool night breeze. We had our share of people watching as well, sitting on the staircase to the gallery, with a higher vantage point.