Recently the north side of the square was pedestrianised making the square a popular place to hang out after visiting the National Gallery, either dipping your toes in the fountains, climbing on the lions at Nelsons feet or chasing the pigeons. The 56m high column commemorates Nelsons victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) with the bronze plaques typically made from melted down French cannons. If the lions look a little doggy its because the sculptor Edward Landseer's lion died during the process and he had to use the family dog to complete the hind quarters.