Lions in London

You’ve probably seen photos of the lion statues in London, but you might not know why they are here.  Every time we have lived in London, I have joined the crowds of tourists taking photos of their children between the great lion’s paws, but I just recently learned the history of the lions.

There are four lion statues located in Trafalgar Square which has been a popular meeting place in London since it was created in 1844.  In the center of the square there is a prominent statue of Vice Admiral Nelson standing on top of a column with an overall height of over 200 feet.  Nelson was a British war hero who led the Royal Navy to victory over the French and Spanish Navies in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.  The lion statues, which were added to the square in 1867 to guard Nelson’s Column, were cast in bronze melted down from the cannons aboard French and Spanish ships that had taken part in the battle.  So now you know everything I know about the lions in London.

Here are the photos I have taken over the years of our kids with one of the lion statues; we chose the same lion every time.  The lion hasn’t changed but our kids certainly have!

2003

2008

2014

While we were in Trafalgar Square I had the kids recreate another one of their photos from 2003.  Jessica used to be the tallest but is now the shortest!

2003

2014