Seven Dials Covent Garden is a unique quarter of London whose star-shaped layout remains as constructed in the early 1690s. It was brought back to life largely through the dedication of the Seven Dials Trust, working in partnership with the local authorities and landowners for nearly forty years.

THE KIP BOARDING HOUSE — Sponsored by Shaftesbury PLC

Location: Nos.5-11 Shorts Gardens, formerly No.20 Queen Street

Dates: 1860–1922

The long-lasting lodging house called Tom Farmer's was better known as 'The Kip'. Here, until the end of the 19th century, residents slept 'on the rope' (sitting down leaning on a rope which was untied at dawn). Troublesome customers were thrown out and tied to a barrow to await a policeman to wheel them to nearby Bow Street police station. It remained a lodging house until the 1920s.

Sources:census records; The Times