No whistling, singing, playing of musical instruments, running, or opening of umbrellas… Since its opening by Lord George Cavendish in 1819, London’s first covered shopping street, Burlington Arcade, has been patrolled by ‘Beadles’ who enforce the proper code of behavior from its visitors. Wearing traditional Edwardian frock coats and gold braided top hats, the Beadles still hold the full power to eject any visitor daring to break the rules. Burlington Arcade is considered Britain’s longest and most beautiful covered shopping street, and today visitors can enjoy ‘impeccable service and unparalleled specialist knowledge’ while shopping from a selection of traditional British luxuries, vintage watches, diamonds, silver, the finest leather accessories, and bespoke footwear. London’s fashionable shopping street is reportedly haunted by a poltergeist named Percy. Percy made his first official appearance in 1953 when he caused some trouble in The Unicorn Leather Company located at No. 42. Staff arrived in the morning and discovered briefcases and handbags arranged in a perfect semi-circle on the shop’s floor…
- Burlington Arcade
- Mayfair, London W1
- www.burlington-arcade.co.uk
- Underground: Piccadilly Circus and Green Park