london013 The Nelson Column This impressive 185-foot fluted column, topped by a statue of Admiral, Lord Nelson, is the centerpiece of Trafalgar Square. The square was named after Lord Nelson’s naval victory against the Napoleonic French fleet at the battle of Trafalgar (Bay of Cadiz, Spain), 22nd October 1805. The height of the column is the same height as the tallest mast on his flagship H.M.S. Victory. The four lions at the base of the column were cast from the melted bronze cannons of the defeated French ships.