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Podcast: London History
Episode: 89. Thomas Arne in Covent Garden
Description: Like many other places in London, Covent Garden has evolved over the years. It started from humble beginnings as a Convent garden for Westminster Abbey, it has moved through many guises over the centuries. From a home to the aristocracy and the main centre of theatrical life in London it developed into the largest produce market in the world.
The rapid expansion of the market altered the character of the area. Along with a bustling commercial market, two theatres (The First Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, and the Royal Opera on Bow Street). Each theatre had letters p...