Charing Cross is just the intersection. But the most important crossroads of London, his official station: from here all distances are measured in the city. This place is a long, at times touching, at times bloody history.

Here, South of Trafalgar square, cross the famous street – the strand, Whitehall, Cockspur street. Each of them famous in their own way: the strand already a thousand years, of Whitehall, is the focus of the British authorities, on Axpert street was located the company who owned the ship "Titanic". The junction is named for the once who was then the hamlet of Charing, where king Edward I erected a cross in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile. Edward dearly loved his wife, he had no mistresses or illegitimate children – a rarity for those times. The Queen died in 1290, inconsolable Edward escorted her body to London and all over the sorrowful way in places nights then put a memorial crosses.

In 1647 during the civil war cross at Charing Cross was demolished by order of Parliament. In 1675, after the Restoration, exactly at this place put an equestrian statue of Charles I, who was executed nearby in Whitehall. In 1865, about two hundred meters from this point, on the strand, found a copy of the demolished cross, carved from Portland stone Carver Thomas Earp (the architect Edward Barry Middleton). Victorian brighter version of the original: Gothic revival octagonal spire ornate carvings on its second floor has eight statues of Queen Eleanor, the cross is lifted up to twenty-meter height.

Here at Charing Cross, in 1554 was the last battle of the rebellion of Wyatt, whose goal was the overthrow of Queen Mary I, – the rebels defeated, their leader sir Thomas white was brutally tortured and beheaded. Here, in the pillory near the statue of Charles I, h publicly criminals upon conviction. Around the mass was located taverns, visitors whom watched the punishment – it was a popular pastime for Londoners.

In 1864, near Charing Cross, in the strand, was built railway station (architect sir John Harshaw), a year – adjoining the hotel (architect Edward Middleton Barry), which gave the station a lush facade in the style of French Renaissance. In 1905 the station roof collapsed, the train had to be evacuated, but six people were killed. During the Second world war the hotel and the station was bombed, but by 1951 the traces of destruction were eliminated.

Today Charing Cross – a popular tourist destination. From here two steps to the residence of the Prime Minister at Downing street and Parliament. In the adjacent Charing Cross road – dozens of great book shops.