Page 21 - Ian Marshall - London Coffe Houses - Standing Display January 2016

Bedford Coffee House
The Piazza, Covent Garden

(1730-1872)
Its location was described as "under the Piazza, Covent Garden, in the
North-East comer, near the entrance to Covent Garden Theatre". Its
earliest mention was in February, 1730. The eminent philosopher
Desaguliers lodged there from 1740 from where he continued his lectures
with great success until his death in 1744. Many famous people
frequented the place including Churchill, Pope and Sheridan and for some
years "the Bedford Coffee House continued to be the emporium of wit,
the seat of criticism and the standard of taste". In 1811 The Times carried
an advertisement about Tunbridge Castle, Kent "to be let.. ..for
particulars of Mr. Joy, Bedford Coffee House, Covent Garden".

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A wrapper posted in Louth, Lines on 15th December 1766 which arrived
Iin London on the 17th. An albino LOUTH receiving mark and black
London Bishop Mark. Charged at 4d-the rate for the 144 mile journey.