Bow Street was first developed by Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford in 1633.
The name ’Bow Street’ was adopted in 1638 after its shape.
It was fully built by 1636 although development to the northeast occurred later because of a brick wall built as a land boundary in 1610 by Francis Russell’s cousin, Edward Russell. This area was eventually built up between 1673 and 1677.
Francis Russell’s son, William Russell (the 1st Duke of Bedford) gave ownership to the Paving Commissioners of St. Martin in the Fields, so Bow Street could become a public right of way.
Early Bow Street residents included Oliver Cromwell, woodcarver Grinling Gibbons, physician John Radcliffe, author John Ayres, playwright William Wycherley and actor-manager David Garrick.
The character of Bow Street changed after the construction of the Covent Garden Theatre in 1809 and a decline set in. Bow Street became known for its brothels. In 1844, it was suggested that the street should be renamed such was the reputation Bow Street had acquired.
No. 4 Bow Street served as a magistrates’ court from 1740 and the forerunner of the modern police force, the Bow Street Runners, were founded in the building by dramatist Henry Fielding around 1750. Fielding assembled a group of volunteers who would be paid for securing convictions and could take private commission.
In 1832, the new Metropolitan Police Service built a station house on the site at 33–34 Bow Street. A magistrates’ court was designed by John Taylor between 1879 and 1881. Oscar Wilde was arrested and charged with gross indecency at the court in 1895. The courts closed in July 2006.
During the 19th century, Bow Street became an extension of Covent Garden market, selling fruit and vegetables.
The Royal Opera House opened in its current building on Bow Street in 1858 after two previous buildings on the site were both destroyed by fire.
The Floral Hall, like the Opera House the work of designer Edward Middleton Barry, dates from the same time.
