Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the borough of Westminster in London, England.
==History==
Before its construction, the square was once a plot of land owned by Robert Sidney, who purchased it from the government in the 1630s. When the land was walled and used exclusively by the rich, it sparked a public outcry. King Charles I responded to the outcry by making the field public once again.Assassin's Creed: Syndicate – Database: Leicester Square
In the late 17th to 18th century, the square became popular for its duels, which originated from a pub quarrel between British officers which ended with a fatality. As the land was became developed and eventually made into a public square, it soon became a popular location for entertainment. An opera house and a museum was then built near the square.
==Behind the scenes==
In game, there is a fountain reused from Unity in the middle of the square, the fountain itself is based on the fountain in the Place des Vosges in Paris.Fountains in Paris. en.wikipedia.org. Accessed 3 July 2020. However, in reality there was an equestrian statue of King George I which was erroneously installed there by the residents of Leicester Square, apparently thinking it represented the current king, George II. Eventually, the statue was vandalized and fell into dilapidation leading to its removal in 1872.Statue: King George I statue, WC2 - lost. londonremembers.com. Accessed 3 July 2020.Equestrian Statue of George I formerly in Leicester Square. english18thcenturyportraitsculpture.blogspot.com. Accessed 3 July 2020. Interestingly, one of the game's collectible illustrations depicts the decayed statue.
The database entry for the square names King Charles II as the one who made the fields public again, though this took place in August 1631, when Charles I was still reigning.Leicester Square. Survey of London: Volumes 33 and 34, St Anne Soho. Originally published by London County Council, London, 1966. Accessed 16 April 2021.
==Gallery==
ACS DB Illustrations 12.jpg|An illustration of Leicester Square
==Appearances==
*Assassin's Creed: Syndicate
==References==
Category:Public squares
Category:Landmarks in London