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Covent Garden was once an austere, quiet place where monks of Westminster Abbey grew their own vegetables in their "convent garden".

On a sunny day as children play, people sunbathe, play sports, rollerblade and stroll through the park, it is hard to picture the bygone years in the park. In the 17th century, Hyde Park began to be the place to see and be seen.

Kensington gardens and Hyde Park merge into one at the east end. Originally Kensington gardens were the grounds of Kensington Palace and it was not until 1841 that they became a public park.

In the square, would-be theatre goers queue at the half-price ticket booth while touts endeavour to entice them away. Street entertainers bring the square to life.....

Mayfair was laid out by the Earls of Grosvenor. Starting with Hyde Park the area is enclosed by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Hyde Park. This enclave, known to many for its power on the Monopoly board, is an expensive area where wealth and power are at home.

The Portobello Road market has drawn crowds since 1837. Every Saturday, the street is swamped by bargain-hunters...

London's first answer to congestion was also its first attempt to clear the slums, an endeavour which provided a literal segregation of the classes.

The streets are lined with trendy cafes, restaurants and bars which cater for all budgets. it's a trendy place where you'll see London's street fashion at its gaudy best. In the 1950's, Soho earned a reputation for itself as a licentious area...

St James's might easily be called London's gentleman's precinct. Ever since the 19th century "gentlemen" have come here to gamble, socialise, eat and drink exclusively amongst their peers.....

Trafalgar Square was named after the victorious naval Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Popular with locals and tourist alike the square becomes a arena used to host political demonstrations in popular protests such as those against the Afghanistan War and Iraq War.

Whitehall is the given name for the street which runs between Trafalgar Square and the palace of Westminster and the site of the Whitehall palace.