 The central square in Covent Garden is simply called " Covent Garden " , often marketed as " Covent Garden Piazza " to distinguish it from the eponymous surrounding area . Designed and laid out in 1630 , with building work starting in 1631 , it was the first modern square in London , and was originally a flat , open space or piazza with low railings . A casual market started on the south side , and by 1830 the present market hall was built . The space is popular with street performers , who audition with the site 's owners for an allocated slot . The square was originally laid out when the 4th Earl of Bedford , Francis Russell , commissioned Inigo Jones to design and build a church and three terraces of fine houses around the site of a former walled garden belonging to Westminster Abbey . Jones 's design was informed by his knowledge of modern town planning in Europe , particularly Piazza d 'Arme , in Leghorn , Tuscany , Piazza San Marco in Venice , Piazza Santissima Annunziata in Florence , and the Place des Vosges in Paris . The centrepiece of the project was the large square , the concept of which was new to London , and this had a significant influence on modern town planning as the metropolis grew , acting as the prototype for the laying @-@ out of new estates , such as the Ladbroke Estate and the Grosvenor Estate . Isaac de Caus , the French Huguenot architect , designed the individual houses under Jones 's overall design . 
