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Trafalgar Square Facts & Worksheets

Named after the British Navy’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, the square is located in the center of Westminster

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Named after the British Navy’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, the square is located in the center of Westminster. Trafalgar Square serves as the venue for various events such as sports, Christmas and New Year celebrations, and even public demonstrations.

See the fact file below for more information on the Trafalgar Square or alternatively, you can download our 25-page Trafalgar Square worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND

  • Trafalgar Square is located in the center of Westminster, Central London, and is owned by the Queen in the Right of the Crown. Nelson’s Column is found in the center of the square. This public square is surrounded by the National Gallery to the north, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church and the Strand to the east, and Admiralty Arch and the Mall to the southwest. In 2003, the redevelopment of the square led to the connection of the National Gallery to Trafalgar Square.

HISTORICAL  BACKGROUND

  • On October 21, 1805, the British Navy led by Lord Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar over France and Spain. To commemorate this significant victory, the public square which used to be the King’s Mews was named Trafalgar Square in 1835.
  • From the 14th to 17th century, Trafalgar Square served as the King’s Mews, also known as the Great Royal Mews which serviced the Whitehall Palace. The Royal Mews is the collection of equestrian stables of the British Royal Family. 
  • In 1812, John Nash developed a new street from Charing Cross to Portland Palace, and in 1826, he was instructed to draw a plan that would clear a large area south of Kent’s stable. The space became open and then became the Trafalgar Square and at its center, space was allotted for the Royal Academy. The plan also included the demolition and redevelopment of buildings along St. Martin’s Lane and the Strand. In the same year, the Charing Cross Act was passed and clearance started soon after.
  • It was decided in 1830 that the square would commemorate William IV’s ascension to the throne, but in 1835, the square was named Trafalgar Square as suggested by Architect George Taylor Ludwell. Although the Charing Cross Act was passed and clearance started, construction and development progressed slowly due to John Nash’s death.
  • The National Gallery, which occupies the northern side of the square, was designed by William Wilkins and built from 1832-1838. In 1837, after John Nash’s death, Wilkins developed and proposed a plan for the layout of the square but it was not accepted. 
  • As the square is named after the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, a Nelson Memorial Committee proposed in 1838 that a statue commemorating Lord Nelson be erected in the square. A competition was held and Architect William Railton won with a 218-foot and 3-inch Corinthian column topped with a statue of Nelson, guarded by four lions.
  • Construction of the column began in 1840 but the height was reduced to 145 feet and 3 inches. Charles Barry, following the death of William Wilkins, drew a new plan that was accepted, and construction started within weeks of the acceptance of his proposal. Nelson’s column was completed in 1843 but the lions were built only in 1867. Then, on May 1, 1844, Trafalgar Square was opened to the public. 
  • Trafalgar Square was subjected to two suffragette bombings, one in 1913 and another in 1914. 
  • On May 15, 1913, a bomb was planted outside the National Gallery but did not explode. However, a second attack on April 4, 1914 targeted St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. The bomb exploded inside the church, which started a fire.
  • WS Atkins with Foster and Partners led the major redevelopment of the square which was completed in July 2003. This connected the square to the National Gallery via a pedestrianized terrace. Cafes, public toilets, and lifts for disabled people were also added.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

  • Trafalgar Square has been a significant landmark since the 1200s. Community gatherings, public demonstrations, and various events are frequently held in the square. Commemorative statues, sculptures, and various artworks are displayed, signifying its cultural significance. 
  • There are four plinths surrounding the square, three of which hold the statues of George IV by Sir Francis Chantrey and Thomas Earle, Sir Charles James Napier by George Cannon Adams, and Sir Henry Havelock by William Behnes. Since the 21st century, the fourth plinth has been used to display specially commissioned artworks.
  • The square is not only used to showcase statues, sculptures, and artwork. It is also used to hold public demonstrations such as the Chartist Rally in 1848, Black Monday in 1886, the first Aldermaston March in 1958, and the anti-lockdown protests in September 2020. This proves that the square is an instrument for people to express their ideas and opinions to effect change.
  • The square also serves as a venue for various events. In 2003 and 2005, it was used to celebrate the victory of England in the Rugby World Cup and Ashes Series, respectively. New year and Christmas celebrations are also held in Trafalgar Square.

Trafalgar Square Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Trafalgar Square across 25 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Trafalgar Square which is named after the British Navy’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Trafalgar Square Fact File
  • Word Crossing
  • Memory Lane
  • Battle of Trafalgar’s Hero
  • Lord Nelson’s Legacy
  • Plans for Trafalgar
  • Let Our Voices Be Heard
  • Fourth Plinth
  • Come and Visit Us
  • Adventure Time
  • Poem of Appreciation

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Link will appear as Trafalgar Square Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 18, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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