Covent Garden continues to change as London evolves
Located in London's West End, the history and evolution of Covent Garden has been as alive and steady as the city of London itself.
It takes its name from the presence of a vegetable garden that once belonged to the monks of Westminister Abbey in the early 1500s. During that time, the land remained in their possession until King Henry VIII seized the land together with his act of dissolving monasteries in 1536. And as any noble monarch would do, he decided to bequeath confiscated properties to his supporters and fellow nobilities until it eventually fell into the hands of one John Russell, the first Earl of Bedford.
Covent Garden was named after 'Convent Garden' which bore produce for the monks of Westminister Abbey. Now the only apples it produces are of the mobile and stainless-steel kind. (Left: Collage - The London Picture Archive, Right: Wikepedia Commons)
From there the property was turned in a square with houses meant for the city's wealthy citizens, as well as a church now known as St. Paul's Church. Covent Garden became, as some would profess, the first piazza in London.
While in the Russel family's possession, the area continued to expand with the addition of markets. The presence of two theatres nearby--The First Theatre Royal on Drury Lane and The Royal Opera House on Bow Street--also transformed the area into a watering hole for the city's nobility.
But, like all things, changes come. In the 18th century, the wealthy moved on to more fashionable areas of London such as Soho, which left Covent Garden to the artists, writers, and--when evening came--the occasional ladies of pleasure.
As time went on, coffee shops emerged which became the meeting places for political and literary discussions. It would become a bustling market for many decades with areas for flowers, produce, tailors, and other artisans.
Now, Covent Garden has become one of the cities most recognizable tourist attractions, attracting travelers from all over the world and bringing with them a new kind of wealth. Thus, the small coffee shops have been replaced by Starbucks and an Apple Store, the artisan shops now house Europe's top luxury brands, and restaurants are headlined by celebrity chefs.
Covent Garden continues to change with the times and the people of London. And, if history is proof, the future can only be more fascinating.
Flowers continue to be sold in Covent Garden (Instagram: @annnie_an)
In Covent Garden of today, carriages have been replaced by black cabs, and the elite patrons have been replaced by wealthy tourists. (Instagram: @coventgardenldn)
