Goodwin's Court, Covent Garden

Goodwin's Court from the St Martin's Lane end.

Goodwin's Court is a small alley that runs between St Martin's Lane and Bedfordbury, in WC2. Unlike many of the other alleyways in this part of the metropolis, this alley appears, at least on its south side, untouched by redevelopment. For it is on its south side that a row of buildings with bow fronted windows stand.

Entering Goodwin's Court, from St Martin's Lane, three concrete steps lead you through a low-roofed arch from a fairly modern road back to a bygone era. The alleyway, a public highway, has residents and, at its Bedfordbury end, a restaurant. Walking along it in the daylight allows you to see the beauty of the buildings and allows you to appreciate the whole alley. Goodwin's Court is 280 feet (85 metres) long and 6.5 feet (2 metres) wide.

Goodwin's Court from the Bedfordbury end.

However, walking along it in the evening time, where the gas-fuelled lamps offer soft lighting, the court becomes so much more atmospheric.

It is said that Nell Gwynn, the mistress of King Charles II, once lived in one of the cottages in Goodwin's Court. However, given that Eleanor Gwyn (also spelt Gwynn, Gwynne, Gwin) died in 1687, I doubt that it was within one of these surviving cottages, that she lived.

Despite its quaint appearance Goodwin's Court was once at the heart of one of London's notorious slum areas, where the residents were the lowest of the lowest paid working class families. As such it was a dirty, filthy and poverty stricken area, making it a dangerous place to venture to.

One of the gas-fuelled lamps along Goodwin's Court.

In 1890, the entire area was officially designated part of the slum clearance programme.  Somehow, however, Goodwin's Court escaped the demolition that destroyed the rest of the Bedfordbury Slums.

In 1930, Goodwin's Court was once again declared unfit for habitation and was set to be pulled down, with the tenants being moved elsewhere. The buildings on the north side were first to go, but, by chance, a businessman stepped in at the last minute and purchased the land. The houses were restored and made fit for human habitation, with much of the street becoming home to businesses.

Tailors, from all countries, took up residence and, as the times changed and St Martin's Lane became the centre of Theatreland, costume designers and makers, moved in. Then came the age of cinema, with agents and cinematographers moving in.

A plaque on the northern wall reads:

GOODWIN'S COURT

(replacing FISHERS ALLEY)

first appeared in the Rate-books

in 1690 and it seems probable

that the houses in the COURT

were erected in that year. - 

L.C.C. Survey

Wizards Welcome - Muggles Tolerated.

In recent times this alleyway has become something of a destination for tour guides and those interested in a certain Wizard, for this court is said to have been the inspiration for 'Diagon Alley' in the Harry Potter books.

The rear window of Empanada Circle, backs onto Goodwin's Court.

Some residents, of Goodwin's Court, have stencilled Harry Potter designs on their windows, or added Harry Potter signs to their doors. Such has the popularity for tour guides to visit this spot, on their Harry Potter Tours, that the Goodwin's Court Residents Association have placed a laminated sign on one of the south walls, that reads exactly as follows.

GOODWINS COURT

By order of Goodwins Court residents Association

ATTENTION TOUR PARTIES

Notice is hereby given that Goodwin's Court (including both covered passageways)

is a public highway and must not be obstructed

No more than two (2) tour groups should be allowed at any time.

Please keep the passageway free for pedestrians at all time and do not obstruct entrances.

Please keep quiet and give your talks outside in Bedfordbury or St Martin's Lane.

These properties are homes and businesses. 

You should not interfere with them or knock on doors and windows.

Thank you.

1-8 Goodwin's Court was Grade II listed in 1958.