Charing Cross

an intersection of streets at the southern side of Trafalgar Square near the Thames. This busy spot is considered the geographical center of London. Distances are reckoned from it. The village of Charing formerly stood here. When Edward I was conveying his queen Eleanor's remains to Westminster Abbey, he erected a memorial cross at each stage where the bier rested. This is traditionally one of the spots. A new cross, however, was erected in 1863. Charing Cross railway station stands in the vicinity. The street called Strand runs eastward to join the Fleet. Whitehall Street leads to Parliament House and Westminster Abbey, and the Mall leads westward by St. James Park to Buckingham Palace. See London