The Piazza

In 1630, the fourth Earl of Bedford, commissioned the architect Inigo Jones to build houses on the site that would be "fit for the habitations of gentlemen". Jones had travelled widely - and was greatly inspired by the grand piazzas and buildings in Italy. He created Covent Garden's Piazza - the first open square in England. His work was an architectural watershed in England.

Many of the original street names from Jones' time survive: King Street, Charles Street and Henrietta Street were all named in honour of Charles I and his Queen. Bedford Street, Russell Street, Southampton Street and Tavistock Street all owe their names to associations with the Russell family.

In 1638, St Paul's Church - the centrepiece of Jones' Piazza development, was completed.