4 Aug
Covent Garden #34 : a shopping and entertainment nirvana
Posted on 2008 under London Shopping |Any agree that Covent Garden offers the best shopping experience in London. Whatever you are looking for Covent Garden has it. Whether it be fashion, jewellery, beauty products or that unusual gift, you won’t have to look far in the shops and markets of Covent Garden.
The area boasts many shops whose names you would instantly recognise, but equally there are many unique, one-off boutiques found within the famous streets that attract shoppers from all over the globe.
But it’s not just the shopping that draws the crowds; a plethora of highly talented street entertainers can be found performing in and around Covent Garden every day. It is the only place in London that allows licensed outdoor entertainment. International musicians, jugglers, and mime artists all come to Covent Garden to display their skills and entertain the visitors who can watch these amazing artists perform their fantastic array of acts before grabbing a bite to eat at the many bars, cafes and famous restaurants.
However, many of the visitors to Covent Garden are unaware of its historical significance; the land on which it stands on has been continually occupied for over 2,000 years making it the oldest inhabited part of London. It was originally the site of a Benedictine Convent from which its name is derived. King Henry VIII used the land to train his falcons, after he dissolved the monasteries and destroyed the Convent, before he gifted it to the aristocratic Bedford family.
In 1632 fashionable architect Inigo Jones was commissioned by the Earl of Bedford to design a residential Italian style piazza complete with surrounding streets and church. Having visited Italy and studied the many public squares there he designed Covent Garden in the Renaissance style surrounded by straight streets. Although many of the original buildings may have been replaced, the centrepiece and street grid system still remain.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed many of the city of London markets, which then regrouped and relocated to stylish Covent Garden. For almost 300 years the area became renowned for its fruit, vegetable and flower markets, carrying the title of the largest wholesale produce market in England.
In the1970s the fresh produce markets moved three miles to a custom-built New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms. However, the old site at Covent Garden Piazza grew in popularity attracting visitors and shoppers to the arts and crafts market housed in and surrounded by some of the most beautiful architecture on offer in London. The distinctive Royal Opera House is housed on the corner of the square which, as well as Opera, also features productions from the English National Ballet.
As well as being a superb venue for shopping Covent Garden is also a great place to dine. It has numerous fantastic restaurants, many of which offer the full al-fresco experience. Conveniently situated on the fringe of the West End, it is only a short walk from many top theatres and quality London hotels, so if you are visiting the nation’s capital make sure it is on your ‘to see’ list.
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