Thursday, August 7, 2025

"This Used to Be Ours, and Don't You Forget It"


Covent Garden Market in London had its beginning in 1835 when a patent was issued to hold a “public fair or mart” in the area of Richmond, Dundas and King Streets. In 1845, the Market found a permanent home when city business owners donated land near Richmond, Dundas and King Street.

The Russell family, as Dukes of Bedford, historically owned and developed much of the Covent Garden area, including the land where the market stands.


The coat of arms prominently displayed on the historic Covent Garden Market in London are those of the Russell family, Dukes of Bedford. The Market building itself was built between 1828 and 1831 for the 6th Duke of Bedford, John Russell, by the architect Charles Fowler.


The Duke of Bedford's coat of arms is blazoned: Argent a lion rampant gules on a chief sable three escallops argent. Here the shield is ensigned with the coronet of a duke. The motto is Che sara sara (What will be, will be).

In essence, the coat of arms serves as a reminder of the Russell family's significant historical connection to Covent Garden and their role in the creation and development of the famous market.

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