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Covent Garden has a very coloured history. In the 1630's the 4th Earl of Bedford commissioned Inigo Jones to provide accommodation suitable for "gentlemen and men of ability". The architect designed London's first residential square of high society houses, Covent Garden was a success. The Royal Opera House provided a draw to the area. However with the establishment of the fruit and vegetable market in 1656, it began to attract a different type of crowd. Traders, prostitutes and members of the literati such as Richard Sheridan and James Boswell met here. During the 19th century, the squares gin palaces became notorious but is continued to be a venue for theatre and opera. This was the Covent Garden of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion from where Eliza Doolittle sold her flowers. The Covent Garden with the "low life" in the piazza and the "high life" in the Royal Opera House. Today's market was established during the 1970's to provide a range of shops and cafes. Protests during this time ensured that the building would not be demolished. The array of buskers in Covent Garden add to its ambience. Unusually, the musicans are subject to quality control, having to undertake an audition before permitted to perform. Shopping here should be a relaxing experience. Allow yourself to wander and take time to browse around the stalls. Better still make the most of Covent Garden's wonderful selection of bars and cafes. Relax with a coffee, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment available. |