Front elevations of a terrace of shops at 32-36 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden. The street runs parallel to The Strand and was originally part of York Street, which was renamed and renumbered in 1937. The four-storey buildings were erected in the early-eighteenth century and initially used solely for residential accommodation. Alterations were made in the early-nineteenth century to create ground-floor shops. A stone rectangular date tablet can be seen on the parapet between numbers 34 and 36. Although not legible in the image, it is inscribed, "Yorke Street 1636" and is thought to be the oldest road sign in London. The street is close to the former Covent Garden flower and fruit market. Number 32 has no trade name visible on the ground floor, but trading above is Michael C. Dresden, solicitor. The ground floor has frosted windows. Number 34 is flower wholesaler, H. Miles, number 36 has two flower wholesalers, Philip Ladds on the ground floor and A. A. Fincham and Son Ltd above. Numbers 32 and 34 have iron railings on the ground floors. Number 32 is Grade II listed, listing number 1234457. Numbers 34-36 are Grade II listed, listing number 1066231. The buildings remain today with different businesses now trading there. Number 36 now has a blue plaque commemorating the author, Thomas de Quincey, who lived there in 1821.