L ike many London fixtures, the history of Covent Garden is long and murky. Its name is derived from the fact that at one time the garden of a convent was on this spot. The Benadictine Abbey of Saint Peter established the garden in the 13th century, but probably couldn't have imagined what would be there today. The building we see now is an 1830's creation. It was more of a gallery than a covered plaza, but the building's signature glass and iron roof was added later. Also added later is the flower market, which now houses the London Transport Museum. However, the most dramatic change came in the 1970's when the mongers left for a new building in southwest London. The city bought the building and started a major renovation project turning it into a more modern shopping plaza.
Mal Walker
Sunday, March 13th, 2005 @ 1:39am
Rating: Five stars. As well as a building, Covent Garden Market is an event. This is a place for the people, everything from buskers to Beefeaters, from Antiques to Antipasta, Going to London? don't miss Covent Garden!
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Mal Walker
Five stars.