Category: Trafalgar Square, London

Trafalgar Square, London

On the evening of October 12th 1940 a German bomb fell in Trafalgar Square. The bomb detonated in the area of the underground station’s ticket hall and 40 people were injured. Of those, seven people were killed. On the following morning, it was noticed that one of the four bronze lions around Nelson’s Column – dating from 1867 and designed by Sir Edwin Landseer – had been damaged. You can see in the photograph that the lion had lost the front right paw and had been moved off centre.
Image: Photographer unknown (1941)
The same lion in February 2022 – repaired and back in its original position..
Image: © TimeViews Steven Miell (2022)
A merged version of the two photographs. Use the slider in the centre.

Trafalgar Square, London

This building – now known as Canada House was built between 1824 and 1827 and was originally two buildings occupied by the Union Club, and the Royal College of Physicians. It was acquired by the Canadian government in 1923 – at a cost of £223,000. The building was officially opened on 29 June 1925 by King George V. 
A bomb fell near the building during WW2, narrowly missing future Canadian PM Lester Pearson. Many renovations followed over the years and in December 2014 the Canadian High Commission transferred all of its diplomatic functions to Canada House. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially reopened Canada House in February 2015.
Image: Photographer unknown (1926)
I took this photograph in February 2022 having tried last Summer – when the trees were in full bloom!
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the two images. Use the slider in the centre.

Trafalgar Square, London

In May 1927, traffic was able to drive past the front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The number 29 bus is headed towards Palmers Green and the bus in front’s destination is Waltham Cross. The Waltham Cross bus is advertising a P. G. Wodehouse play called ‘Good Morning Bill’, which was on at the Duke of York’s Theatre. This area was pedestrianised many years later.
Image: Photographer unknown
I took this photograph of a deserted Trafalgar Square in late May 2020, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The pedestrianised area in front of the National Gallery looks calm with no street performers and tourists.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the two images. Use the slider in the centre.

Trafalgar Square, London

Allan Hailstone’s photograph of Trafalgar Square in 1955 shows a bustling part of London. A bus can be seen passing in front of the National Gallery. This area was pedestrianised a few years ago. St. Martin-in-the-Fields can be seen on the right-hand side of the photograph.
Image: Allan Hailstone
In October 2020, the effects of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic can be seen with very few people venturing into the area. However, this affords a great view of the Square and the National Gallery beyond. Also, the spire of St. Martin-in-the-Fields can be seen above the trees.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the two photographs. Use the slider in the centre.