When did Covent Garden stop being a market?

Following a public outcry, buildings around the square were protected in 1973, preventing redevelopment. The following year the market moved to a new site in Nine Elms, between Battersea and Vauxhall in southwest London. The square languished until its central building re-opened as a shopping centre in 1980.

When did the market in Covent Garden close?

The market officially stopped trading on Friday 8th of November, 1974 – the entire enterprise relocated to Nine Elms in Vauxhall. Boursnell, of course, was there, recording the end of a very particular era of London history.

When did Covent Garden Market move to Nine Elms?

Based on the south bank of the River Thames in Nine Elms since 1974, the iconic market is home to 175 wholesale businesses, with around 2,500 employees.

Where did Old Covent Garden move to?

As a result, in the 1960s the Covent Garden Market Authority decided to move to Nine Elms in Battersea and the Greater London Council (GLC) bought all the land they owned. Later on, plans were drawn up to redevelop the area.

Who owns Covent Garden now?

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 ...

Covent Garden Market In 1960 (Full Colour Video) | Our History

How old is Covent Garden Market?

Covent Garden Market had its beginning in 1835 when a patent was issued to hold a “public fair or mart” in the area of Richmond, Dundas and King Streets. In 1845, the Market found a permanent home when city business owners donated land near Richmond, Dundas and King Street.

Does anyone live in Covent Garden?

More than 6,000 people live in Covent Garden as their primary home, including many families and children.

Is Covent Garden still a market?

It is a smaller market than the Apple Market, but it is still open seven days a week. In general, the markets are smaller than other London markets such as Portobello market or Spitalfields market. However, it is a central market and ideal for pottering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

What was Covent Garden originally called?

The first historical record of Covent Garden dates back to 1200, when it consisted of fields. Owned by Westminster Abbey, the land where the Market Building and the Piazza now stand was referred to as 'the garden of the Abbey and Convent', hence its name.

Why is Covent Garden so popular?

Covent Garden, A World Class Tourist Destination

There are many attractions that draw tourists and locals to Covent Garden in London, not least its top designer shops, street performers and the world famous Royal Opera House.

What is Covent Garden famous for selling?

Once home to the world-famous fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden's Apple Market continues to support market traders, offering a range of unique handmade crafts and goods throughout the week.

What is the oldest street market in London?

Cheapside was the oldest known market in London, possibly established in the late ninth century during the reign of King Alfred. The large number of street markets in London is due to the 1327 granting of market rights to the City of London.

What is Covent Garden oldest building?

43 King Street | Oldest Surviving Building In Covent Garden - DD Architects.

Why is it called 7 dials?

'One of London's great public ornaments'

Neale commissioned England's leading stonemason, Edward Pierce, to design and construct the Sundial Pillar in 1693-4 as the centrepiece of his development in Seven Dials. The Pillar was topped by six sundial faces, the seventh 'style' being the column itself.

What is the best shopping street in London?

What is the longest market in London?

Find out all about the legendary Walthamstow Market - the longest open air market in Europe! Walthamstow market started in 1885 and is now Europe's longest outdoor street market, spanning a kilometre of the High Street.

What is the difference between Soho and the Covent Garden?

Soho is the centre of London's thriving gay and lesbian scene, as well as its sex and film industries, while Covent Garden, previously London's fruit and vegetable market, has reincarnated itself as a shopping mecca and remains the heart of 'Theatreland'.

What is a fact about the Covent Garden?

Covent Garden is home to the oldest theatre in London. The oldest theatre in London is the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane which dates back to 1663. Rumour has it there is an underground tunnel so the stars of the show could swiftly get to the nearby pub.

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.

What was the old flower market in London called?

Columbia Road Flower Market… Originally founded in the early 1800s, the Columbia Road market in East London has since evolved into a specialist flower market on Sundays.

Are there still street performers in Covent Garden?

The first record of Covent Garden street entertainment came in 1662, when Samuel Pepys' diary notes that a marionette show featuring a character named Punch took place on the Piazza. Today, the custom continues.

How many donkeys worked in Covent Garden?

This plaque to the south of the market remembers the working donkeys of Covent Garden, who would haul costermongers' carts to and from the market. The plaque suggests some 100,000 donkeys were employed in this way between 1661 and 1974, which is one hell of a tally.

Is it expensive to live in Covent Garden?

Properties in Covent Garden had an overall average price of £1,217,538 over the last year. The majority of sales in Covent Garden during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £1,184,654. Terraced properties sold for an average of £2,500,000.

Is Covent Garden fun at night?

Covent Garden comes alive with new energy at night, offering a variety of exciting things to do and see. From catching a show at the Royal Opera House to enjoy a drink in a rooftop bar, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your evenings in Covent Garden.

Why is Covent Garden not called Covent Garden?

The central square in Covent Garden is simply called "Covent Garden", often marketed as "Covent Garden Piazza" to distinguish it from the eponymous surrounding area. Designed and laid out in 1630, it was the first modern square in London—originally a flat, open space or piazza with low railings.