Audio Tour: The Unknown Women of Trafalgar Square from Lily Fitzsimmons on Vimeo.
I had some troubles getting the directions from each stop to the next to play, so I’ve included my script below:
We begin our tour at the top of the steps in front of the National Gallery. Turn to face away from the museum, and look below at Trafalgar Square. This grand plaza as we know it today was constructed in 1867 to commemorate just a few of the outstanding women in British history. Walk down to the bottom of the stairs and turn left. Walking past the cafe, you will see a large statue on a pedestal high above the plaza. Walk to it. I’ll meet you when you get there.
1) King George IV- Caroline Brunswick
You are currently looking at a statue of the husband of Caroline of Brunswick. Caroline was born in 1768 Charles William Ferdinand and Augusta Ferdinand. Her father was a German ruler and her mother was the sister of King George III. After she married King George IV and gave birth to Princess Charlotte of Wales, unfounded allegations of infidelity forced an investigation into her private life. Even with significant public support and without sufficient evidence of adultery, Caroline was separated from her daughter and moved to Italy, where she lived for a number of years. In 1817 her daughter died giving birth, and Caroline was driven back to England. When King George was set to take the throne in 1820, he vowed she would never become queen, and attempted to divorce Caroline on the basis of her alleged affairs. She refused, and the bill George tried to enact to overpower her was thrown out of parliament. Still, she was barred from the coronation. Soon after, she fell sick, and died three weeks later.
When you’re ready to move on, turn to face away from the statue and toward the Charing Cross station exit. From here, turn right and walk toward the large column surrounded by bronze lions. This one is hard to miss. Head to the side of the column closest to the National Gallery. Face away from the museum and toward the road, with the column in front of you. I’ll tell you more about this breathtaking monument once you arrive.
2) General Horatio Nelson- Frances Nelson
As you can see, this is the largest and most prominent monument in Trafalgar square. It’s called Nelson’s column, and it is dedicated to the husband of Frances Nelson. Frances was born on the Caribbean Island of Nevis, to wealthy parents in 1758, but was orphaned at a young age. When her parents died, she inherited most of her father’s possessions, but she was forced to sell most of them to creditors. She soon married a young doctor, and was sadly widowed only two years later. She moved in with her uncle, who introduced her to Horatio Nelson, who praised her for her intellect. She also loved watercolors and spoke excellent French. They were married in 1787, and lived many years together. While Horatio spent long periods of time at sea, Fanny managed her husband’s finances and cared for his ill father. When Horatio returned from war with an amputated leg, Frances cared for him. After a while, Horatio began an extramarital affair with Lady Emma Hamilton, who he had met previously. Frances and Horatio were separated, and he died at Trafalgar in 1805. After his death, Frances fell ill, but recovered. She dedicated herself to preserving her husband’s memory, and died in 1831.
To get to the final stop on our tour, simply turn right and walk across the square. To your left, is another statue on a pedestal, like that of Caroline’s husband. That statue is your next stop. Once you reach the statue, turn to face the front of it, back toward the National Gallery. You’ll hear more about this striking historical figure once you arrive.
3) General Sir Charles James Napier- Lady Sarah Lennox
Now we are looking at the son of the famous Lady Sarah Lennox. Lady Sarah was born in 1745 and she lived to be 81 years old. Lady Sarah’s parents died when she was only five, and she was raised by her elder sister, Emily. From a young age she was encouraged to pursue a marriage with George, Prince of Wales, the future King George III. He was taken with her and wished to marry her, but Sarah as well as the King’s advisors refused the offer. Instead, she married Sir Charles Bunbury. She later had an affair and was divorced from Sir Charles, moving in with her brother. Seven years later she married the Hon. George Napier. They had eight children together, including General Sir Charles James Napier, who you see immortalized before you in bronze today.
This has been the final stop on our tour today. Thank you so much for listening and for giving your time to learn about some of the most important and forgotten women of London. The women of history were often treated like trading cards for alliance or power. They were seen only as wives and mothers, intended to attend to their husbands every whim. In a world where women were denied authority and privilege, they often are lost in the patriarchal celebration of war and politics. While their husbands and sons may get all of the glory, these women were vital to the development of the people and world around them. I’m so glad I was able to share some of their stories with you today. Thanks again, and I’ll see you next time!
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