Adventure #5

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Trafalgar Square:   This hub of activity in central London can lead you to all sorts of mini-adventures.  Trafalgar Square is dominated by Nelson's Column, tribute to the Admiral whose innovative tactics defeated the French fleet at the battle for which the square is named. 

At each corner of the square, there is a large plinth.  Three of these are occupied permanently and there has been much discussion about what to do with the fourth.  At this time, the "empty plinth" is home to a succession of temporary "exhibits". These change every few months.

One side of Trafalgar Square is dominated by the National Portrait Gallery.  This museum, founded in 1856, is dedicated to preserving images of famous British men and women.  In this, it is as much a history museum as an art gallery.  The primary purpose is not to preserve works of art, but rather to honor distinguished people through art.

If you stand in the square facing the National Portrait Gallery, you will see St. Martin's in the Fields to the right.  St. Martin was a fourth century man from Roman-controlled territory now in Hungary who dutifully joined the Roman army at age 18.  Marching with his unit into Amiens one winter night, he saw a near-naked beggar.  He drew his sword and cut his cloak in half, giving half to the beggar.  That night, God came to him in a dream and thanked him for his kindness.  Martin was baptized a Christian the following day.  He soon left the Roman army to be a "soldier for Christ" and founded a monastery. 

The present structure of St. Martin's in the Fields was consecrated in 1726, but this has been a site of worship since the thirteenth century.  Today, it is still an active church, but it is also much more.  Concerts are held here.  In the crypt, there is a nice cafe (reputedly with reasonable prices), a brass rubbing center and a shop.  In keeping with the life of St. Martin, the church's Social Care Unit provides assistance to the homeless.

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