The building of Nelson’s Column in London’s Trafalgar Square, begn on 30 September 1840 and completed in 1843. The 56 m (171 feet) high column is made from granite and features acanthus leaves, cast from British cannons at the top.  At the very top stands a 5.5m (18 feet) statue of Nelson.

Nelson is looks south towards the Admiralty, the head of the British Royal Navy

Who was Nelson?

Admiral Nelson was one of Britain's best-loved heroes, who fought valiantly for his country and won four notable naval battles, at the personal cost of losing an arm and one eye. Nelson's last and most famous battle was fought off the Spanish cape of Trafalgar, when he defeated Napoleon and the French and Spanish fleets. Read more here

Guarded by four huge bronze lions

Nelson's column is guarded by four huge bronze lions sculpted by Sir Edwin Landseer in 1868. They were made out of metal from guns that had been taken from old battleships.

Named in honour of the British victory, led by Admiral Lord Nelson, at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Also on this day ...

30 September 1928: Penicillin discovered
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, a drug that is used to treat many illnesses.