George Square is the principal civic square in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The square was named after King George III and initially laid out in 1781 but not developed for another twenty years. George Square is surrounded by architecturally important buildings including the City Chambers (headquarters of Glasgow City Council) on the east side and the Merchants House on the west side. There is an 1829 panoramic engraving by Joseph Swan which shows the early development of the square and its surrounding buildings. The square is home to an important collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. George Square often hosts events including music and light shows, ceremonies, sporting celebrations and annual Remembrance Day parades. Political events and protests also often take place in the square.