Covent Garden is known for its buskers, but where and what is it? In fact, it was originally the site of a monastery, which was destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII, when he created the Church of England so he could get a divorce (many monks were executed and others starved to death in prison). After this tragic history, the area became England’s first piazza, and a fruit & vegetable market.
Covent Garden is home England’s first public piano performance and Theatre Royal (on Drury Lane), with the rumour of an underground tunnel (so actors can nip to the nearest pub after a performance). 2 minutes walk away is the Royal Opera House (the third building, after the first two were destroyed by fire). Connected by the ‘bridge of aspiration’ to the Royal Ballet next door.
Served by Piccadilly Line tube station, Covent Garden is just a 300 yard trip from Leicester Square (the shortest tube trip in London – just 20 seconds, you may as well walk). Get a sandwich on the way (this place is also home to the birth of the sandwiching of two slices of bread, back in 1762). John Montagu (the Earl of Sandwich) invented it, to keep his fingers clean from grease, while gambling!
Covent Garden is famed for its flower markets. If you buy any, know many (including all bulbs) are toxic to pets. Make your garden safe for pets by knowing plants and other items to avoid, along with avoiding toxic houseplants (brushing a tail against a sago palm, lily or cheese plant can harm). Avoid facing indoor plants to outside foliage, to help stop birds flying into windows.
