Nelson's Column

Nelson’s Column is a monumental stone column in central London placed in Trafalgar Square to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. It was erected in the early 1840s and is one of the city’s most recognizable civic monuments.

The column was designed by William Railton and completed in 1843 to honour Admiral Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar. The statue of Nelson was carved by Edward Hodges Baily and the four bronze lions were added later in the 1860s to complete the monument’s composition.

Situated in the heart of London at the junction of the Strand, Whitehall and The Mall, it lies immediately north of the River Thames and is within walking distance of landmarks such as the National Gallery and the Houses of Parliament.

• Height: Standing 169 feet (about 51.6 metres) tall, making it one of London's most prominent central monuments.
• Best time to visit: Best viewed early morning or late evening to avoid daytime crowds in Trafalgar Square and to see the full silhouette against the sky.

What to See #

• Base and plinth: Located at the centre of Trafalgar Square, forming the square's focal point; the base features four bronze relief panels cast from captured French guns and four sculpted lions at the plinth corners added in the 1860s.
• Column and statue: The Corinthian column shaft topped by a sandstone statue of Admiral Nelson; total height from base to top is 169 feet (about 51.6 metres).
• Surrounding square: Surrounding public space of Trafalgar Square, with good views from the north side facing the National Gallery and from the pedestrian areas around the square.