You know Burlington Arcade in London?
This is the luxury shopping corridor off Piccadilly.
Today, I invite you to do a little shopping with me!
Burlington Arcade in London: article summary
What is Burlington Arcade London?
Next to Burlington House, this 180 m-long arcade of stores has been packed with luxury brands for 200 years.
It was designed by architect Samuel Ware in 1819 as a a place for the sale of fashion jewelry and costume items.
Today, it's home to some 50 boutiques, ranging from luxury brands like Chanel to cafés éphémères and small designers.
Why was it built??
Today, Mayfair is a hub for affluent shoppers browsing luxury boutiques.
But in the early 19th century, it was a little less salubrious, with pickpockets roaming the streets, and there were hardly any suitable places for that wealthy people can spend their money.
Commissioned by George Cavendish in 1819, he wanted a safe place for his wife to shop.
Another version of the story says that he actually built the corridor along his garden in order to stop annoying passers-by from littering your garden!
Several luxury stores
To ensure the protection of the 51 luxury goods stores, Lord Cavendish hired his own military regiment: the 10ᵉ Royal Hussars to guard Burlington Arcade.
They were known as the Beadles, and still are today, they take care of the arch.
It wasn't just shopping that attracted Lady Cavendish. She transformed the arcade into a charitable enterprise, hiring as shopkeepers widowed women whose husbands had not returned from the Napoleonic wars.
Burlington Arcade London: details not to be missed
As you approach the arcade from Piccadilly, look up to see the Cavendish coat of arms at the top of the entrance.
Part of their family iconography is also the Tudor rose that still appears on Beadle uniforms.
But once inside the arch, you have to look up to appreciate the details.
Particularly the individually sculpted flowers on the arches.
The floor is composed of 68,000 pieces of English stone. Cut in Italy and transported in a huge jigsaw puzzle, it was installed in 2015 by Jamie Fobert Architects.
A place for London's celebrities
Over its 200-year history, Burlington Arcade has attracted its share of famous faces. Micheal Rose Jewelers was once Jeff's Bookshop, and it was here that George Elliot met her married lover George Henry Lewes.
It is said that between the pages of the books, they hid love letters for everyone to find.
Burlington Arcade reflected London's economy and, when times were hard, shopkeepers often hired courtesans to provide a little extra.
However, no money changed hands, as male visitors were expected to buy gifts in the stores on the first floor and exchange them for services.
How to visit Burlington Arcade in London
Burlington Arcade opens:
- Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The tour is free and everyone is welcome!
Burlington's arcades are not to be missed. During your visit, you can discover this colorful place with an exceptional past.
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