As you can see, each corner of the square has a monumental plinth – each dedicated to a British national hero. But the fourth plinth – is empty? What tragedy occurred? The tragedy was a very usual one in British politics – the State Treasury refused to release the money to realize the plans of politicians! There should have been a statue of King William IV, to match the equestrian state of King George IV you can see on the North-East plinth, on the other side of the square. William IV was well-known for introducing many social reforms to benefit the poor, orphans, and reforming the Navy – in which he had served as a young officer. But politicians disliked him for 'meddling in their business' – he even imposed a Prime-Minister of his own choice, against the will of Parliament - and there was little demand to have the statue completed. Instead, the project was quietly forgotten, and the plinth had no statue on it at all – for over a hundred years. From 1999 the Fourth Plinth became a site for temporary displays of sculpture and artworks – initially selected by the Royal Society of Arts, until 2005, and thereafter by a Government Commission set up specially for the project. The plinth has displayed prominent, and sometimes controversial works by major British and world artists, including Rachel Whitehead, Anthony Gormley, Yinka Shonibare, Katherina Fritsch.