‘Theatre Land and Danish Connections’ – Guided walking tour around Covent Garden

Meet at Temple Underground Station at 11am.

There was a very good turnout for our walking tour around Covent Garden despite the underground strike. Our usual guide, Grethe Hauge, greeted us initially at temple underground station and then in the courtyard of Somerset House. The history of Somerset House, initially started by the Duke of Somerset in the reign of Henry VIII was a story of intrigue, treachery and extravagance over the ensuing centuries. At one stage it was called Denmark house due to the influence of Queen Anne and was the residence for four of the English Queens.

In the 19th century it was remodelled and housed the registry office as well as the Inland Revenue until the 90s when it reverted to public usage. Our walk then proceeded past Aldwych and up Drury Lane where we were entertained with tales of Drama, Mistresses, Thespians and the Fruit Market illustrating how the area had changed over the centuries.

Of particular interest was the history of the Theatre Royal with its royal connections.  You are able to take tea there and admire Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extensive private collection of Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.

After visiting the Opera House and Saint Paul’s church, itself an architectural gem, we repaired to a well-earned lunch at the Boulevard Brasserie French Restaurant in Covent Garden.

A very big thank you to Grethe for her fascinating, informative and entertaining event.

Photo by Philippe Bontemps on Unsplash