Trafalgar Square

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Текст к презентации ” Trafalgar Square“

Trafalgar Square is the largest square in central London. Undoubtedly, the most famous square in the world.

The square was so named to commemorate Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and the monument in the centre, known as Nelson’s Column. The column is 50 m high, on its top you can see 5 m stone statue of Nelson. The pedestal of the  Column is decorated with basreliefs representing  Nelson’s most familiar victories.

Around the column there are the statues of four lions. They symbolize courage and bravery, each 6 m long and 4 m high, by the way, were made of bronze and placed here in 1867.

The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery are situated on the north side of Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery has an outstanding varied collection of paintings from British, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch and other famous schools.

There are a number of statues and sculptures in the square, with one plinth displaying changing pieces of contemporary art. Sir Henry Havelock(1795-1857) was a British general who is particularly associated with India, King George1V.

The square is also used for political demonstrations and community gatherings, such as the celebration of New Year's Eve .

Trafalgar Square has been a venue for political demonstrations, though the authorities have often attempted to ban them. One of the first significant demonstrations of the modern era was held in the square on 19 September 1961 by the Committee of 100, which included the philosopher Bertrand Russell. The protesters rallied for peace and against war and nuclear weapons.

In December the Square turns into a venue for Christmas festivities: every day musicians perform both classical and modern music to raise money for various charities, the illumination is fantastic!

The  Square is an ocean of light! The  Square has the place of celebrating the New Year. Crowds of people light bonfires and shoot firecrackers. In February they celebrate Chinese New Year with a parade and dragon dance in  the Square. It is very colourful event.

The square has become a huge traffic island, the statues and fountains have enlivened the space so that it remains a place of pilgrimage for visitors.

The square is famous for its feral pigeons, and feeding them was traditionally a popular activity.