2 Covent Garden

www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

London’s most popular open space is thronged with shoppers and sightseers by day, and with theatregoers and revellers by night.

Covent Garden piazza was laid out in the Italian style in 1630 by Inigo Jones. Initially it was a very . fashionable address, but from 1670 onwards, with the advent of the main London fruit, flower and vegetable market, it deteriorated and developed into a notorious red-light area. In 1830 its handsome centrepiece iron and glass hall was erected and the market continued trading at Covent Garden until 1974, when, finally defeated by transport logistics, it moved south of the River Thames to Vauxhall. The site was then developed as a pedestrianized area, accommodating dozens of small shops and restaurants. The fruit and vegetable stalls were replaced with the Apple Market, home to crafts, jewellery, clothing, accessories and antiques and collectables.

Today, only some arcading and St Paul’s Church remain of the original piazza. By the church portico street performers (licensed by the Covent Garden authorities) entertain large crowds daily. It was here, in 1662, that England’s first ever Punch and Judy show was staged. St Paul’s is known as the Actors’ Church because of the large number of commemorative memorials (and graves) of screen and stage stars it holds. It is well worth a look inside and its garden is a remarkably peaceful oasis amid the general hubbub.

Other major attractions include the London Transport Museum and the 150-year-old Royal Opera House, home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

Map Reference 16J Covent Garden