What is Covent Garden?
Covent Garden is a lively district in London's West End, known for its historic market building, street performers, shops, restaurants and the Royal Opera House. It is one of London's most popular areas for visitors.
The name comes from a garden that once belonged to Westminster Abbey's convent. In the 1630s, the area was developed by the Earl of Bedford, with a piazza designed by Inigo Jones, London's first planned square.
Covent Garden became London's main fruit, vegetable and flower market. The market moved to Nine Elms in 1974, and the old market buildings were restored as shops and cafes.
Performers and culture
The piazza is famous for its street entertainers, including magicians, jugglers, acrobats and musicians. Performers must audition for a license to perform there.
The Royal Opera House, home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, stands next to the piazza. The London Transport Museum is also located in Covent Garden.
St Paul's Church, known as the actors' church, is on the piazza and has memorials to many actors and theater people. Covent Garden appears in the musical My Fair Lady, where Eliza Doolittle sells flowers in the market. The area is close to many West End theaters, so it is busy before and after shows.