Burlington Arcade, Shopping arcade in Mayfair, London, United Kingdom
Burlington Arcade is a covered shopping passage in Mayfair that runs about 180 meters between Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens. The walkway follows a straight path with around 40 small storefronts on both sides, displaying watches, jewelry, clothing, and other luxury goods behind large windows.
Lord George Cavendish commissioned the passage in 1818 as an enclosed shopping street to stop passersby from throwing rubbish over the garden wall of his estate. The construction followed the model of Parisian arcades and was meant to serve as a commercial space that would generate extra income.
The name comes from the neighboring Burlington House, the townhouse of the Earls of Burlington that now hosts the Royal Academy of Arts. Wrought iron arches at both ends carry the intertwined initials of the original builder, while glass roofs channel daylight through the entire length of the passage.
Access is either from Piccadilly or through the exit at Burlington Gardens, with both ends open during the day. The passage is at ground level and walkable without steps, though the floor slopes slightly upward if you enter from Piccadilly.
Beadles in period uniforms still enforce rules today, including bans on running, whistling, or carrying an open umbrella inside the passage. These guards date back to the founding era and were originally soldiers who had returned from wars against France.
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