Naval hero, 163, gets a facelift

The years, and the pigeons, have taken their toll on Nelson's visage

Pigeon-proofing is one of the measures under way as restorers begin a £420,000 facelift on Nelson's Column in London.

It is the first major restoration on the Trafalgar Square Grade 1 listed monument in 20 years.

Repairs will include stonework, removing pigeon droppings, and pigeon-proofing some minor areas.

It is due to finish in July ahead of the square's annual summer events. The column stands more than 185ft high, and was completed in 1843.

Victories celebrated

The statue of Nelson at the top of the 56m column is 5.5m high and currently covered in scaffolding.

It has been cleaned several times but the whole monument has only undergone restoration twice, in 1968 and in 1986.

It was erected to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

It was designed by William Railton and cost £47,500. The top is decorated with bronze acanthus leaves. The square pedestal has four bronze panels, cast from captured French guns, depicting Nelson's four great victories.

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who is on a trip to China, said: "Nelson's Column is an iconic landmark that is recognised around the world.

"This work is being done to ensure that the unique monument is maintained and preserved for generations to come."

The column is normally inspected every two years to assess the condition of the sculpture, the granite column and the bronze.