If I remember correctly, the original site was once a convent. When King Henry VIII kicked the nuns out it was left to decay. Back then it was in the countryside so not worth much. But local villagers took the opportunity and used the land to grow vegetables etc, and then they started a little market. So it became known as Convent Garden, and obviously over time, Covent Garden. I think!
Covent Garden was the first neighbourhood I called home when I moved to London as a first year undergrad (my halls of residence were just a short walk away on High Holborn) and I spent my first weeks walking all over Central London until my feet were sore (and I had figured out where the closest supermarket was plus the quickest way to get to Chinatown to stock up on cheaper condiments, rice, noodles and any vegetables and fruits I couldn't find at my local Sainsbury's). Thank you for this deep dive into the fascinating history of Covent Garden - an area I both know and clearly don't know!
Amazing to realise it's 50 years since the move. Thanks for documenting this fascinating history. So sad to hear the constant refrain that all we want is cheap food which we know is true, whereas in Europe quality is valued.
Absolutely fantastic bit of writing Cheryl. You totally capture it ALL. Makes me so annoyed with myself for not going with my dad all the times he woke me up in the wee small hours when I'd said the night before I'd go with him. I am SO LAZY!
Remembering ( a bit hazily ) visiting the original Covent Garden after a faculty dinner and party thereafter … evening dresses and dinner jackets, drinking in the pub with the market porters around 6am .. yes. I am that old !
If I remember correctly, the original site was once a convent. When King Henry VIII kicked the nuns out it was left to decay. Back then it was in the countryside so not worth much. But local villagers took the opportunity and used the land to grow vegetables etc, and then they started a little market. So it became known as Convent Garden, and obviously over time, Covent Garden. I think!
If I'd included all the history the piece could have been twice as long!
Haha, yes it would. It was a fascinating read.
What a wonderful read. Thank you.
thank you for reading and commenting!
Covent Garden was the first neighbourhood I called home when I moved to London as a first year undergrad (my halls of residence were just a short walk away on High Holborn) and I spent my first weeks walking all over Central London until my feet were sore (and I had figured out where the closest supermarket was plus the quickest way to get to Chinatown to stock up on cheaper condiments, rice, noodles and any vegetables and fruits I couldn't find at my local Sainsbury's). Thank you for this deep dive into the fascinating history of Covent Garden - an area I both know and clearly don't know!
It's a joy reading memories and stories about Covent Garden. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece.
Amazing to realise it's 50 years since the move. Thanks for documenting this fascinating history. So sad to hear the constant refrain that all we want is cheap food which we know is true, whereas in Europe quality is valued.
The million pound question being; what will it take to make the changes?
What a great piece of writing Cheryl. It evoked an image of all the community of people over the years who have contributed to make it what it is.
Absolutely fantastic bit of writing Cheryl. You totally capture it ALL. Makes me so annoyed with myself for not going with my dad all the times he woke me up in the wee small hours when I'd said the night before I'd go with him. I am SO LAZY!
I get it. I wish I'd gone all the times I was invited when I was on the board of London Food.
Remembering ( a bit hazily ) visiting the original Covent Garden after a faculty dinner and party thereafter … evening dresses and dinner jackets, drinking in the pub with the market porters around 6am .. yes. I am that old !
That's an amazing memory to have
Goodness, if I were 40 years younger! Thanks for this fascinating profile
Thank you for reading it.