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Around Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square circa 1896: This splendid square was named in honour of Nelson’s last victory, which destroyed the French and Spanish fleets, and effectively put an end to Napoleon’s intended invasion of England. The Nelson Column, erected on the south side of the square by public subscription, is said to be of the exact proportions of a column of the CorinthianTemple of Mars Ultor of Rome.
It is built of Portland stone, 145ft in height, and was erected in 1840-43. Upon a circular pedestal above the abacus is a colossal statue of Nelson, 17ft high. The figure was carved out of three massive stones, of which the largest weighed thirty tons.
The capital of the column is of bronze, obtained from cannons captured by Nelson. There are also bronze reliefs on the four sides of the pedestal. Four immense lions in bronze guard the foot of the memorial, erected.
Upon either side of the Nelson monument are statues of Sir Charles Napier and Sir Henry Havelock. The fountains in Trafalgar Square were designed by Sir Charles Barry. In the above view is also seen the famous Royal parish church of St Martin’s-in-the-Fields.
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Trafalgar Square today: Not really the right angle, but the best I could do from street level. Built by the government to reflect Britain's classic imperial heroes, I've always found it somewhat ironic that so many protests against the establishment end up here.
Recently, the fourth plinth has been the site of various installations, varying from the good, the bad to the ugly. The square has also started to host more concerts and cultural events, which are entertaining, although always over-crowded. If you can get a good spot and are prepared to accept the hustle and bustle, I think Trafalgar Square as a venue is pretty unbeatable.
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Haymarket theatre circa 1896: On the east side of the Haymarket, opposite Charles Street, stands the Haymarket Theatre, which dates from the year 1720, when an enterprising carpenter, named John Potter, built a small playhouse in this street on the side of the King's Head Inn.
In 1820 the old edifice was pulled down, and the present building erected on almost the same site from a design by John Nash. The entrance is through a handsome portico, the entablature and pediment being supported by six Corinthian columns; above are circular windows. Under the portico are five doors, leading respectively to the boxes, pit, galleries, and box office.
It was almost entirely rebuilt in 1878.
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Haymarket theatre today: Although I've lived in London for many years, I can not remember ever seeing a show at the Haymarket. The portico is still impressive and not much appears to have changed to the frontage other than a lick of paint, which has obliterated the crown motiff of circa 1896.
In the photo of circa 1896 it is possible to see that the show 'Fedora' was playing. An interesting factoid: the play was written in 1882 by Victorien Sardou for the great Sarah Bernhardt, which was first performed in the USA in 1889. Bernhardt wore a hat similar to what is now known as the fedora. So the play came first, not the hat!
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