In this episode, we look at the history of the Covent Garden piazza.
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Piazza
,
Covent Garden
,
London
This Beautiful Fruitful Rectangle
Written by
Robbie
Stamp
Performed by
Stephen
Fry
About this story
In 1631 master-builder and architect Inigo Jones designs Covent Garden Piazza for the 4th Earl of Bedford in the new Palladian style.
Piazza
,
Covent Garden
,
London
A Much Tidier View for the Duke
Written by
Joanna
Clarke
Performed by
Jasmine
Elcock
About this story
In 1830 architect Charles Fowler creates a new central building in Covent Garden Piazza to try to contain the fruit and vegetable market that developed in the square over two centuries previously - and just keeps on growing!
Piazza
,
Covent Garden
,
London
Concrete Garden Anyone?
Written by
Joanna
Clarke
Performed by
Dame
Joanna
Lumley
Delve Deeper
See the plaque remembering the people of Covent Garden Market.
About this story
In the 1970s the council has plans to demolish the Covent Garden area and construct a concrete complex in the Brutalist architectural style. Locals and market people join forces to prevent them.