Text 62. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is named after the battle of Trafalgar, where Vice-Admiral Nelson defeated the French and Spanish fle­ets in 1805. The square is large. The most important monument in it is the Nelson Column about 185 feet high, with a statue of Nelson on top. Bronze bas-reliefs at the foot symbolize Nel­son’s four great victories.

There are four bronze lions at the foot. There are two lar­ge fountains in the square and statues of generals near them. You can see many pigeons and tourists in Trafalgar Square. The pigeons are not afraid of people and may sit on your hand. Du­ring the 2nd World War the Norwegian Government had its head-quarters in England. Since every year a fir-tree is sent from Norway for Christmas. Many Londoners come to see it with their children during the school holidays. Trafalgar Squ­are is known to all progressive people in Britain. Here different meetings and demonstrations are held. Many people take part in them. Behind the Nelson Column is the National Gallery. It hou­ses a very rich collection of paintings by many great masters. Here you can see fine paintings by world masters – Michael Angelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Goya and English artists – Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Turner, Reynolds and others.

Answer the following questions:

1. Why is Trafalgar Square named so?

2. What do four lions at the foot of the Nelson Column symbolize?

3. Are there many pigeons in Trafalgar Square?

4. Why is a fir-tree sent from Norway to England every year?

5. Where is the National Gallery situated?

6. Whose paintings can one see there?