The Old Bailey

The Old Bailey is quite possibly the world's most famous criminal court and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries.

The Newgate gaol stood on the site of the Old Bailey in Medieval times; the original Old Bailey was built in 1539 on the site of the original fortified wall or bailey of the City. The building was added to and reshaped throughout the years before being destroyed in the Great Fire and the courthouse was rebuilt as an Italianate brick building with a courtroom open to the elements in a bid to minimise the spread of gaol fever.

Later the Old Bailey was redesigned yet again enclosing the open courtroom and refacing the exterior of the building. Despite this George Danceat rebuilt the court in 1774 and a semi-circular brick wall was constructed around the court in a bid to control the access of the public and limit communication between the public and the prisoners.

The Old Bailey as we know if today was designed by Edward Mountford and was opened by King Edward VII in 1907. Mountford designed the dome of the Old Bailey to mirror that of the nearby St Paul's. On the dome above the court resides the stature of Lady Justice by sculptor F.W.Pomeroy. Lady Justice holds a sword in her right hand and weighing scales in her left supposedly representing Blind Justice.

Famous trials to have taken place at the Old Bailey include those of Oscar Wilde, The Krays and the Yorkshire Ripper.

Although there is no public access to the precincts of the Central Criminal Court the public galleries are open each day for viewing of trials in session. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 5pm. No reservations are held and visitors must be over the age of 14 years old.

Find out more about the Old Bailey including daily case listings.

How to get there

The closest tube station is at St Paul's. If travelling by bus the 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 56, 76, 100, 172, 242, 388 and the 521 serve St Paul's and the surrounding area.