Trafalgar Square is named for the historic 1805 Royal Navy
victory of the Napoleonic Wars, and is dominated by Nelson's Column
on the south side. The square was cleared for redevelopment in 1820
and completed in its current form in 1845 by the architect Sir
Charles Barry. Originally fully enclosed by roads, the northern
side was closed and terraced in 2003 under design by Foster and
Partners, creating safe public access to the National Gallery and
enlarging the area of the Square.
Trafalgar Square has been the focal point of numerous events in
its history, both planned and spontaneous. Arguably the preeminent
gathering place of central London, its design allows heavy
attendance but also confinement in the event of disorder, with the
two huge fountains and high walls breaking up crowds into smaller
areas. As well as the iconic Nelson's Column, the square is
dominated by its plinths, three of which feature statues, while the
fourth famously remains 'empty' to a permanent piece. Currently
statues and artwork rotate on the plinth according to competitions
and the will of the serving public authority.
As a geographic guide to what you see onscreen in The Blind
Banker, Sherlock and John walk between the southern side of the
western fountain and Nelson's Column before proceeding north up the
steps towards the National Gallery. The scene was filmed from the
northern side of the western fountain, as you can see in the
photographs.
Trafalgar Square also briefly appears twice in The Reichenbach
Fall, when Sherlock and John drive past in a taxi on two separate
occasions along the southern side on the A4 and A400 routes.
Trafalgar Square sits square in the centre of London, amongst
some of its most recognisable locations as seen in Sherlock. To the
north, Charing Cross Road leads to Leicester Square and Chinatown.
The Mall connects to the southwest, which in turn leads to
Buckingham Palace. Whitehall is on the southern edge of the Square,
which leads down to Westminster Square and the Houses of
Parliament. And to the east, Northumberland Avenue allows access to
the Thames and the South Bank via Hungerford Bridge, passing The
Sherlock Holmes Pub on the way.
Charing Cross [Bakerloo, Northern] has an exit into the Square
itself, and is the most expedient way to access it. Alternatively,
Leicester Square [Piccadilly, Northern] is also close by, but
requires a short walk south down Charing Cross Road.
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