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Once the "Larder of London", now a magnet for visitors with open air stalls, street entertainers and stylish shops |
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![]() The front of Covent Garden Market Photo TourNorfolk |
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The open air stalls, street entertainers and stylish shops, make Covent Garden a magnet for visitors, day and night. The central square and surrounding pretty Victorian buildings have all been converted into one of London’s liveliest districts. The covered piazza contains an array of small shops and stalls selling clothes, books, arts, crafts and antiques. |
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![]() Covent Garden Stall Photo TourNorfolk |
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Covent Garden started life as the convent of St Peter Westminster. A large kitchen garden was maintained throughout the Middle Ages to provide its daily food and it became a major source of fruit and vegetables in London. In 1540 King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and he divided up the land between various individuals to be privately owned. During the 17th century, Francis Russell redeveloped his part of the land and built a central piazza surrounded by colonnaded town houses, modelled on the classic Italian colonial towns. The piazza was used as a market and following the great fire of 1666, which destroyed “rival” markets in the city, Covent Garden market became the principle market in London for fruit, vegetables and flowers. |
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![]() Covent Garden c1865 Photo in the public domain |
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![]() Covent Garden Today Photo TourNorfolk |
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![]() Enjoying a drink on the balcony of the Punch & Judy pub. The Covent Garden area has over 60 pubs and bars! Photo TourNorfolk |
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The first mention of a Punch and Judy show in Britain was recorded by diarist Samuel Pepys, who saw such a show in Covent Garden in 1662. The exact spot is marked by the location of the Punch & Judy pub in the market. Today, Covent Garden is the only part of London licensed for street entertainment, with performers having to undertake auditions and signing up to timetabled slots. Artists charm the crowds with their humour and acts include plate spinning, juggling, unicycle riding, ball catching, mime, dance and acrobatics. |
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![]() Punch and Judy Pub Photo TourNorfolk |
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![]() A Street Performer Photo TourNorfolk |
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Around the edge of the square you will find the Royal Opera House, the London Transport Museum, the Theatre Museum showcasing a fascinating collection of theatrical memorabilia, and St Paul’s Church, known as the “actor’s church”. |
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![]() St Paul's Church, known as the actors church and dating around 1630 Photo Steve Cadman |
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![]() Covent Garden Piazza at Christmas time Photo Richard Mushet |
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London Transport Museum is open daily, 10am to 6pm. Entry costs around £10 for adults, children FREE. Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB. Tel: 0207 379 6344 |
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