Covent Garden it characterised by its street entertainers, cafes, markets and small unique shops. Close to Leicester Square, it is one of the major tourist areas of London.

The name Covent Garden is derived from its history as a garden of the convent of the Abbey of St Paul. The St Paul’s garden supplied nearby Westminster Abbey with fresh produce.

Dominating the west side of Covent Garden is St Paul’s Parish Church, serving the Parish of Covent Garden. The Parish boundaries were changed in 1986 to incorporate the Parishes of Holy Trinity, Kingsway and St John, Drury Lane.

The Church was built as a result of the Earl of Bedford, in 1631 requiring the building of four streets to converege onto a square with a chapel and mansions. The design was carried out by Inigo Jones and the church was completed in 1633.

Nowadays the Church front plays host to street entertainers on the main square, over looked by the Punch and Judy pub it is the perfect location for a coffee or a pint in London.

View the Quicktime panorama of Covent Garden, London (2.9mb).

At the centre of Covent Garden is the glass covered Piazza, home to many shops and restaurants. The original site was designed in 1638 by Indigo Jones, with its arcaded walks based on the Piazza D` Arme at Livorno.

The site first became a market place in 1671 and has remained in that role ever since. The market on the current site dates back to 1830, rebuilt by the 6th Duke of Bedford.

The architecture from this period remains intact and provides a splendid backdrop to the wider area of Covent Garden.

View the Quicktime panorama of Covent Garden Market, London (3.5mb).

At the centre of Covent Garden is the glass covered Piazza, home to many shops and restaurants. The original site was designed in 1638 by Indigo Jones, with its arcaded walks based on the Piazza D` Arme at Livorno.

The site first became a market place in 1671 and has remained in that role ever since. The market on the current site dates back to 1830, rebuilt by the 6th Duke of Bedford.

The architecture from this period remains intact and provides a splendid backdrop to the wider area of Covent Garden.

View the Quicktime panorama of Covent Garden Market, London (3.5mb).