View of Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster, looking east from the northwest corner of the square. Trafalgar Square was planned as part of the redevelopment of the West Strand Improvements by John Nash following the passing of the Charing Cross Act of 1826. Although it was to be another 30 years before the square was completed, it occupies the area of the former Great Mews of the Crown Stables. Charles Barry was the architect, although he opposed the decision to erect Nelson's Column on the site - he was overruled. The whole square is Grade I listed, number 1001362. There is a balustraded parapet and one of the two fountains is visible with deeply lipped granite retaining walls. These were remodelled in 1939 to the designs of Sir Edwin Lutyens with sculpture by Sir Charles Wheeler and W. McMillan. These features are Grade II* listed, number 1066235. Benches line the north wall, and in front is a stone trough with plants which have since been removed. In the background is South Africa House. Built between 1931-1933 by Sir Herbert Baker and Alexander Thomson Scott, it has a steel frame, infilled with reinforced concrete panels, and is faced with Portland Stone, set on a granite base. In Classical style, with arts and crafts-inspired carved details of indigenous beasts and symbols of South Africa by Joseph Armitage to the designs of Sir Charles Wheeler. Seven storeys high, including two attic storeys above with cornice and balustrade. The main elevation facing Trafalgar Square is thirteen windows wide. It is Grade II* listed, number 1066238. Above the parapet is the spire of St Martin-in-the-Fields church. Built 1722-26 by James Gibbs in Portland Stone with a staged tower and steeple. It is Grade I listed, number 1217661.