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Leicester Square of London

 

Named after the 2nd Earl of Leicester and located at the heart of London’s West End. it is often nicknamed as Theater land due to the multitude of cinemas and theaters that line it. It is the site where all the major European premiers take place. Londoners and foreigners rush to the square alike to enjoy the musicals and shows that are the popular specialty of this West End entertainment district. 

The Past

The region including Leicester Square began to develop around 1670 after the square was opened for public in 1640. The land exactly where the square is now seen and that covers about four acres was owned by Robert Sydney, the 2nd Earl of Leicester. The area became a fashionable residence during the late seventeenth century. By the late eighteenth century, the region began to be known as an entertainment centre with the foundation of Holophusikon or the Museum of Natural Curiosities. More recreational facilities were added to the former as the Wyld’s Globe, housing a mega scale map of the world, and also the Alhambra Theater, constructed in 1854 and demolished in 1934 to be replaced by the present Odeon cinema. In 1884 was erected the well-known Empire Theater which is now the Empire Cinema as its third incarnation. A recent addition to the line of theaters and cinemas is the Globe Theater.


Interesting Places in the Vicinity

Besides all the above-mentioned entertainment spots, there are several other worth seeing things in the square. In the centre of the square there is a beautiful garden amidst which there lies a marble fountain having a statue of William Shakespeare surrounded by dolphins. Designed in 1874 by Giovanni Fontana, it is called the Shakespeare Memorial Fountain. There is a statue of one renowned Londoner at every comer of the park, namely: Sir Isaac Newton, William Hoggarth, Joshua Reynolds, and John Hunter. An Effigy of Charlie Chaplain was added in 1981. All around the square there are bronze casts of hand-prints of famous actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Tom Cruise, Bruce - Willis, Sir Ian Mc Kellen etc.

The square is home to head quarters of a few T.V and radio stations as well. Known as the beating heart of London’s West End, it is heavily crowded on weekend evenings. Just like the Piccadilly, the Leicester Square is also considered to be the best place for people watch. Since the mid 1950s vehicles are not allowed in the square; therefore, there is plenty of walking space available to visitors. Tourists are fond of its bright lights and fine atmosphere. A lot of restaurants surround the square including fast food restaurants, snack bars, and posh restaurants.



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