Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s major thoroughfares. It was built in 1819 when John Nash mapped Regent Street. Its circular nature (the circus) was lost when work began on Shaftesbury Avenue in the 1880s.
The bright lights that dominate the square were added in the early 20th-century, and have become a favourite photo call of tourists.
The Eros statue
Ask any Londoner, and they’ll happily tell you that the Eros statue at the centre of Piccadilly Circus represents the Greek god of Love – but they’re wrong! It actually represents the Angel of Christian Charity.
It was erected in 1892 to commemorate Anthony Cooper, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, whose tireless work for the poor and mentally ill led to calls for a memorial.
Facts and information
- Address:
- Piccadilly Circus,
London W1 - Bus route:
- 3 6 9 12 13 14 15 19 22 23 24 29 38 88 94 139 159 177 453
- Train station:
- Leicester Square NR PC, Piccadilly Circus BK PC
Piccadilly Circus, London
Eros statue, Piccadilly Circus
London’s Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus, c.1896
The Eros statue, c.1896- > Information
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