Original description by George Birch in 1894
This Market, interesting from both business and artistic points of view, should be visited early in the morning from sunrise to about 10 a.m., on Tuesdays, Thursdays , or Saturdays. All night the carts containing produce to be sold are rumbling through the streets, and the buyers are thronging in before day breaks. The scene is full of interest. In the flower market the scent and colouring are delightful. Covent Garden is situated near the Strand, and belongs to the Duke of Bedford. Some historic interest is attached to the neighbourhood, which belonged once to the Monks of Westminster. The “Bedford Coffee House”, close by, was the resort of Hogarth, Garrick and Foote, &c., and is noted as being the home of the “Beefsteak Club”.
Other observations
The sign below the central arch reads something space SHUTE.
The building seems to be symmetrical, with a north and a south entrance. It's hard to tell which one features in this photo. Perhaps the dome in the background would help, if it could be identified. It doesn't seem to match that of the British Museum Reading Room, which is one possible candidate.
Geolocation
Subject at centre of picture: TQ 3034 8092 or TQ 3038 8087
Camera position:
Camera height: first floor
View direction: SSE or NNW
View angle: ??° approx.
Focal length (35mm equiv): ??mm approx.
Nearest similar geograph
Technical information
See here.