大象传媒

Trafalgar Square was designed to be a cultural space, for public use. It opened in 1830.

In the build up to World War One and throughout the conflict it was a focal point for demonstrations (both for and against the war), recruitment, fundraising and on Armistice Day, public celebration.

After the declaration of war Trade Union leaders, MPs and members of the opposition would speak at the Square in order to encourage more Londoners to sign up.

The Square was an ideal place for fundraising campaigns to be based. Tanks were moved onto the site as part of a drive to raise more funds for war bonds and at one point a mocked up French village was built there by the Red Cross.

At the end of the war thousands of people gathered to celebrate the end of hostilities and the beginning of peace.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Image: Aerial view of Trafalgar Square taken from a British Naval Airship on 9 November 1918. Courtesy of IWM