Covent Garden in City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Bow Street

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 26, 2026

1. Bow Street Marker

Inscription.
Bow Street was formed about 1637. It has been the residence of many notable men
among whom were
Henry Fielding (Novelist),
Sir John Fielding (Magistrate),
Grinling Gibbons (Woodcarver),
Charles Macklin (Actor),
John Radcliffe (Physician),
Charles Sackville Earl of Dorset (Poet),
William Wycherley (Dramatist).

Erected 1929 by London County Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1637.

Location. 51° 30.823′ N, 0° 7.353′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is in Covent Garden. It is at the intersection of Broad Court and Bow Street, on the left when traveling north on Broad Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Bow Street, City of Westminster, England WC2B 5PY, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it

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finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Picasso’s Le Tricorne (within shouting distance of this marker); Denis Johnson (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lionel Lukin (1742-1834) (about 120 meters away); Queen’s Theatre (about 120 meters away); The Nags Head (about 120 meters away); The White Lion (about 150 meters away); Nathaniel Westlake (1833-1921) (about 150 meters away); Baudry Greene (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . . Bow Street (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

The street was developed in 1633 by Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford for residential purposes. A number of notable people lived here in the 17th and 18th centuries, including Oliver Cromwell and Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford. In the 18th century, the street declined as a place of residence following the establishment of the nearby Covent Garden Theatre, which led to a reputation for prostitution. During the 19th century, Bow Street was a de facto extension of Covent Garden and
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 26, 2026

2. Bow Street Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here between the windows, above the ground floor.
its associated markets, selling then-exotic fruit and vegetables.

Bow Street has a strong connection with the law; the Bow Street Runners, an early voluntary police force, was established here by Henry Fielding in 1750, and the Metropolitan Police Service operated a station house from 1832, which led to the construction of the Bow Street Magistrates' Court.

Today, only a short run of buildings from No. 35 to Russell Street remain on their original sites; the rest having been given up for large buildings.

(Submitted on April 10, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.