subject: The Characteristic Piccadilly Circus In London [print this page] Piccadilly Circus is a busy road junction in London that connects Regent Street with Piccadilly Street. Circus in Latin essentially means circle and this is from where the name has been derived to refer to the circular mid section of the junction.
Named Piccadilly Street in 1743, after a tailor who was famous for his piccadills (different types of collars) it was in 1819 that the Piccadilly Circus itself was constructed. Shaftesbury Avenue was created in 1886 after which the circular aspect of the junction was lost. However the name was retained.
The area in and around Piccadilly Circus is popular, with the London Pavilion, Shaftesbury Memorial, and Criterion Theatre all being located around its vicinity. A tube station was also installed underground adding to the bustle of the area.
Apart from these obvious places of tourist attraction, the Piccadilly Circus has itself gained in popularity due to its famous setting. The first electric advertisements here appeared in 1910 and since then large billboards and neon signs have dominated the area. Of these certain adverts like the Coca Cola, Sanyo and TDK ads have been there for over 50 years with little or no change at all.
The Shaftesbury Monument Memorial Fountain which used to be at the centre of the circus was shifted to the South-western side after World War II. This monument with the winged statue of a nude archer is a London icon. Though meant to depict Anteros (Eross twin brother), the statue is popularly called Eros the god of love. This was the first aluminium cast statue in the world.
A popular place to relax for the old and new on account of the numerous entertainments and shopping available, Piccadilly Circus is an interesting spot to visit. If travellers are staying at a central London hotel such as the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair, which is a luxury hotel in London, then attractions such as the Piccadilly Circus are but a short distance away.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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