Nelson’s Column was constructed over a number of years from 1840 onwards, in the wake of many criticisms and controversies. The four bronze lions at its base, by Landseer, were finally added in 1867. Here’s an early article on one of the first meetings of the Committee established to facilitate the construction of Nelson’s Column. The article also has to tell readers the location of Trafalgar Square, near Charing Cross, of course.
“The Committee appointed to take measures for erecting a monument to Nelson, assembled at the Thatched-house Tavern on the 11th inst., Sir George Cockburn in the chair. There were also present the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis of Anglesey, Lord Byron, Mr. Croker, Mr. Spring Rice, Lord Minto, Sir Thomas Hardy, and Sir John Barrow. The chairman announced that the Duke of Buccleugh had consented to act as chairman of the Committee. A letter from Mr. Spring Rice was read, approving of Trafalgar-square, near Charing-cross, as the site of the monument, provided the plans and designs are submitted to Government. The Duke of Wellington suggested that an advertisement for plans should be issued immediately, with an intimation to artists that the sum to be expended would be about 25,000l.: the Duke of York’s column cost 23,000l. After some discussion, a resolution in accordance with these suggestions passed.”
The Stamford Mercury, 20th April, 1838.