Trafalgar Square: Mandela's Champagne

February 11, 1990. After 46 months of continuous protest outside the South African Embassy, Nelson Mandela was released. Champagne corks flew - one nearly hit Tony Benn as he spoke.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Find South Africa House History · Free

   Stand on the east side of Trafalgar Square facing South Africa House. The Non-Stop Picket protested here for 1,408 days and nights (46 months). When Mandela's release was announced on February 11, 1990, thousands converged here. Tony Benn spoke; champagne corks flew. Someone draped a banner on Nelson's Column reading "Nelson Mandela's Column."

   Backup: Information boards around the square describe the anti-apartheid protests.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Read the Mandela Statue History · Free

   Walk to the Mandela statue in Parliament Square (10 min walk via Whitehall). Read the inscription. The 9-foot bronze statue was unveiled in 2007. Over 20,000 demonstrators packed Trafalgar Square on March 25, 1990 for the first big post-release demonstration.

   Backup: Westminster Abbey is adjacent if you want to continue the history walk.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Toast at a Pub Wine · Price: low · Optional

   Find a nearby pub - The Chandos (St Martin's Lane) or The Harp (Chandos Place, CAMRA Pub of the Year) are closest. Order champagne or English sparkling wine. The celebration on February 11, 1990 "was comparable to when the war ended in 1945."

   Backup: Gordon's Wine Bar (Villiers Street) is London's oldest wine bar if pubs aren't your style.

   Log Memory