In this episode, discover how Covent Garden adapted to the trials and tribulations thrown it's way by Britain's fight against Nazi Germany.
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Royal Opera House
,
Covent Garden
,
London
Put on Your Dancing Shoes
Written by
Joanna
Clarke
Performed by
Joanna
Clarke
Delve Deeper
The British Newspaper Archive has an article about dancing in WW2. Facebook has photos of the Royal Opera House as it was configured in WW2, along with dance nights.
About this story
During World War Two the Royal Opera House was converted into a dance hall. Joanna Clarke imagines some visitors to the Mecca Ballroom, based on her very own grandparents.
Mrs Smith’s Coffin
Written by
Joanna
Clarke
Performed by
Stephen
Fry
Delve Deeper
Google has archived a Garden Museum photojournalism story about flower smuggling in WW2. Dawlish is an English seaside resort on the South Devon coast, offering sandy beaches. Its railway line runs directly along the coast, allowing for stunning views but making it susceptible to coastal storms and erosion.
About this story
Non-essential travel was banned in World War Two Britain. Non-essential produce was banned from travel too. So how did the flower girls of Covent Garden market get their goods?
Keeping Calm and Carrying On
Written by
Joanna
Clarke
Performed by
Jasmine
Elcock
Delve Deeper
The London Transport Museum has photos of people using the Covent Garden Tube Station as a bomb shelter. Westendatwar.org has more information about William Samson, the writer and member of the Auxiliary Fire Service who wrote about the rescue and the bomb itself.
About this story
In January 1941 a bomb dropped on a fruit warehouse in Covent Garden, with devastating effect. Our writer puts a couple of imaginary market traders who’ve been living and trading through the Blitz, into that scenario.
