Nelson's Column

Nelson's Column dominates Trafalgar Square in London, commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Built between 1840 and 1843 to a design by William Railton, the Corinthian granite column rises about 52 metres and carries a 5.5-metre sandstone statue of Nelson by Edward Hodges Baily. The four bronze reliefs on the pedestal depict Nelson's battles and were cast in part from captured French cannons. The four recumbent bronze lions by Edwin Landseer arrived only in 1867 and have been climbed by Londoners and tourists ever since. As a Grade I listed monument, the column is now the backdrop for New Year celebrations, protests and the annual Trafalgar Day ceremony.