Old Bailey, London

Old Bailey is the common name of the Central Criminal Court in England. It also refers to the court building in central London, one of a number housing the Crown Court. Old Bailey deals with major criminal cases that took place in Greater London, and on exceptional basis, those happening in other parts of England. It took its name from the mediaeval Newgate Gaol on Old Bailey, the road that follows the City's fortified wall (or bailey). Old Bailey, the courthouse, is located between Holborn circus and St Paul's Cathedral.

The original mediaeval court was located on the western wall of the City of London, but was destroyed in the 1666 Fire of London. It was rebuilt in 1674. At that time, it was an open court, to prevent the spread of disease. In 1734 it was refronted, enclosing the court and reducing the influence of spectators. However, this led to outbreaks of typhus, notably in 1750 when sixty people died, among them the Lord Mayor and two judges. Old Bailey was rebuilt again in 1774 and a second courtroom was added in 1824. In 1834 it was renamed as the Central Criminal Court.

Originally Old Bailey was used for crimes committed in the capital. In 1856, however, public revulsion at the accusations made against doctor William Palmer, that he was a poisoner and murderer, led to fears that he could not get a fair trial in his native Staffordshire, and so his trial was held at Old Bailey.

The present Old Bailey building dates from 1902. It was officially opened on 27 February 1907 by King Edward VII. It stand on the site of the infamous Newgate Prison. Above the main entrance is inscribed "Defend the Children of the Poor & Punish the Wrongdoer".

On the dome above the court is the statue of Lady Justice holding a sword in her right hand and a pair of weighing scales in her left. The statue is popularly supposed to show Blind Equality, and the figure was supposed to be wearing a blindfold. However no blindfold is present on the statue.

During the Second World War, Old Bailey was one of the buildings in London severely damaged by bombing. It was restored in 1950, and the Grand Hall of the Central Criminal Courts was once again open in 1952. A new wing designed by architects Donald McMorran and George Whitby was added to Old Bailey between 1968 and 1972.

The Old Bailey celebrated its 100th Birthday on 27 February 2007 with a Reception attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

Old Bailey, London
by Nevilley (GFDL)

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