View of Trafalgar Square
View of Trafalgar Square
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View of Trafalgar Square
SC_PHL_01_537_391 (Collage 141141)
London Metropolitan Archives: LCC Photograph Library
View of Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster, looking west from the junction with the Strand. Trafalgar Square was planned as part of the redevelopment of the West Strand Improvements by John Nash following the passing of the Charing Cross Act of 1826. Although it was to be another 30 years before the square was completed, it occupies the area of the former Great Mews of the Crown Stables. Charles Barry was the architect, although he opposed the decision to erect Nelson's Column on the site - he was overruled. The whole square is Grade I listed, number 1001362. The lions by Sir Edwin Landseer were cast by Baron Marochetti and added in 1867. The monument is Grade I listed, number 1276052. The three- and four-storey buildings on the left were shops and offices. 54 Charing Cross is occupied by W. E. Whitelock and Sons, outfitters. Number 55 is a four storey building with an attic with the sign 'Union' on the roof parapet. This was the offices of The Union Assurance Society, founded in 1714 and now part of the Aviva insurance group. Number 56, with a large sign on the roof parapet advertising 'Bovril', was the offices of The Liverpool and London and Globe Life and Fire Assurance Company. Founded in 1836, it merged in 1918 with Royal Assurance to form what was then the largest insurance company in the world. Number 57 has a sign for Phoenix Fire Company, and two statues of phoenixes above pillars that rise through the ground and first floors. Founded in 1680 after the Great Fire of London, Phoenix Fire Assurance was merged in 1984 with Sun Alliance whose offices at the time were at number 60. The white building, number 58, was S. Matthews and Son, waterproofers, and a large sign advertises Mackintoshes. Number 63, with a large sign on the third floor for 'Map, Globe', was the premises of Charles Smith and Son, Map Publishers. A noted map maker he first published his 'New Map of London' in 1830. These buildings were demolished, and the site redeveloped. The three-storey building on the corner with Spring Gardens was The Union Bank of London. The bank was founded in 1839 and merged in 1902 to form Union of London and Smith's Bank. Built in 1871 by F. W. Porter of Portland Stone and polished red granite, it is now a pub and is Grade II* listed, number 1217744. A number of horse-drawn carts are in the road and many pedestrians, including a woman walking away from the camera carrying a sack on her head. In the foreground, a bollard with a newspaper hoarding has a headline advertising a Royal Wedding. This was the wedding of Princess Maud of Wales, (the fifth child of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII), and Prince Charles of Denmark, later King Hakkon VII of Norway. The ceremony took place in the chapel of Buckingham Palace on 22nd July 1896. A horse-drawn omnibus is driving around the square and there are many pedestrians including men in bowler and top hats.
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