What was Covent Garden originally used for?
The Covent Garden Theatre, the original theatre on the site, was opened (1732) by John Rich and served for plays, pantomimes, and opera. During the 1730s, when George Frideric Handel was associated with the theatre, opera was emphasized, but later the focus shifted to plays.What was the original function of the Covent Garden?
Covent Garden became London's first planned suburb. In the first decades of the 17th century Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford wanted to develop his land known as Covent Garden between Long Acre and the Strand. In medieval times it had been a market garden belonging to and supplying produce to Westminster Abbey.What did Covent Garden Market originally sell?
After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the entire square was devoted to the selling of fresh fruit and vegetables and Covent Garden became London's largest market.What's Covent Garden famous for?
Covent Garden is a district in London, on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and with the Royal Opera House, itself known as "Covent Garden".What is the oldest building in the Covent Garden?
43 King Street | Oldest Surviving Building In Covent Garden - DD Architects.Covent Garden Juicy Debauched History Romp - London Walk
What is the oldest original building in London?
London's oldest intact building. The White Tower was the first bit of the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror.What is the oldest square in London?
The first square to be called by the name, was Bloomsbury Square, laid out in the 1660s by the 4th Earl of Southampton, who leased three sides of the forecourt to his London residence for building, before escaping from the plague.Why is Covent Garden underground so deep?
It was built so far underground because the station and the majority of the borough is on a steep hill. Due to this, the station's platforms are the deepest on the London Underground network. The station also boasts the deepest lift shaft on the Underground at 55 metres.Who owns the Covent Garden?
Although most of central Covent Garden is currently owned by Capital & Counties, there have been several freeholders in the area's history, including the GLC who restored the buildings and converted them from their former use (the famous fruit and vegetable market) into the lively mixture of shops and restaurants that ...Can you live in Covent Garden?
Live. By having living in Covent Garden, you instantly access an iconic part of London that is not only well connected but filled with the latest restaurants, the hottest brands and the most exclusive events.Why is it called 7 dials?
The original layout of the Seven Dials area was designed by Thomas Neale during the early 1690s. His plan had six roads converging, although this number was later increased to seven. The sundial column was built with only six faces, with the column itself acting as the gnomon of the seventh dial.What is the oldest street market in London?
Borough Market is one of London's most famous food markets. At the Southwark market you'll find British and international foods. Celebrities, chefs, locals and tourists alike visit the Borough Market for its high-quality foods and cheap take-away restaurants.What is the oldest street market in the UK?
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century.Who is buried in Covent Garden?
Among others also buried at St Paul's, Covent Garden, are the wood-carver Grinling Gibbons, the painters Thomas Murray, Sir Peter Lely, and Thomas Girtin, Thomas Arne (composer of "Rule Britannia"), and Sir Henry Herbert who as Master of the Revels to James I and Charles I was a censor of the theatre.What is the short history of Covent Garden?
Markets began gathering at Covent Garden's new square as early as 1656, though the population was still sparse, composed mostly of wealthier tenants. Being relatively new and out-of-the-way, Covent Garden had the fortune to skirt the worst of the plague in 1665, and it avoided the Great Fire of London entirely in 1666.When did Covent Garden stop being a flower market?
The market was relocated on 11 November 1974 and Covent Garden was left empty.What is the meaning of Covent Garden?
Definition of 'Covent Garden'1. a district of central London: famous for its former fruit, vegetable, and flower market, now a shopping precinct. 2. the Royal Opera House (built 1858) in Covent Garden. Collins English Dictionary.
How many firms operate in Covent Garden?
New Covent Garden Market is London's original and finest fresh food and flower Market – feeding and flowering the capital daily. It is the largest fruit, vegetable and flower wholesale market in the UK. 164 companies trade fruit, vegetables, and flowers but also dairy, ice and gourmet ingredients.What is the name of the church in the Covent Garden?
St Paul's is the Parish Church of Covent Garden and therefore as well as worshipping on Sunday also provides various pastoral support.Is Covent Garden a rich area?
Convent GardenMost notably, Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House, one of the most famous institutions in London, which only adds to the economic credibility and wealth of the neighbourhood.
Is there a secret Underground in London?
The Kingsway Exchange tunnels, an expanse of 8,000 sq m of passageways several hundred feet below High Holborn, were shrouded in mystery for most of the 20th century with details covered by the government's Official Secrets Act, because of their wartime role as a base for MI6 officials.What is the oldest Underground in London?
Metropolitan lineOpened in 1863, The Metropolitan Railway between Paddington and Farringdon was the first, urban, underground railway in the world. An extension from Baker Street to Swiss Cottage in 1868, however, put an end to this claim to fame.
What is the most beautiful square in London?
Bedford Square GardensTaking the crown as London's most beautiful garden square is Bedford Square Gardens in Bloomsbury, the only London garden square designed as a whole.