The City of London: What you may not know

Picture above: Atop the dome, the gilt bronze statue of Lady Justice

Our beloved City of London has many unique and exceptional institutions within its boundaries, none more so than the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, commonly referred to as the Old Bailey after the street on which it stands

The Central Criminal Court houses a Crown Court of England and Wales. The Court hears major criminal cases from within the Greater London area, in exceptional cases, trials may be referred to the Old Bailey from other parts of England and Wales where local Crown Courts lack the expertise for certain cases. The street outside follows the route of the ancient roman wall around the City which was part of the fortification’s bailey, hence the adopted street and Court name.

The Grand Hall Dome

What is unique about Old Bailey is that the building is owned and operated by the City of London Corporation as a service to London and the nation. The building maintenance, staff and all operating costs are covered by the Corporation. The Department of Justice, of course, operates the judicial activity carried out there.
The court has been housed in a succession of buildings on the street since the 16th century, when it was attached to the medieval Newgate Prison. The current main building block was completed in 1902 as a monumental architecture; it is recognised and protected as a Grade II Listed Building. An extension, added to the south end, was constructed in 1972, over the former site of Newgate Prison which had been demolished in 1904.

The Court house is world famous for high profile cases heard in Court No.1. Since opening in its present form in 1907, figures tried there are as diverse as Dr Crippen, the notorious Kray Twins, Liberal Party Leader Jeremy Thorpe and Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. Ruth Ellis was the last person hanged in the UK and WWII traitor Lord Haw-Haw was tried there too. In the 1960s the notorious ‘Profumo Affair’ saw cases against Stephen Ward and Christine Keeler. In earlier times Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted in Court No.1.

Hon Court Asst David Barrett at Court No.1

The Old Bailey is also unique in that it houses the two elected Sheriffs of the City of London. Apart from supporting the Lord Mayor’s programme and ceremonial commitments, they also provide a role in supporting the welfare of the 15 Judges. Cases heard at the Bailey are mostly of murder where the most distressing evidence and testimony is examined. There is always a concern that continual exposure to these grisly proceedings can develop into mental stress. On each day at Court, a Sheriff hosts a Judges’ lunch at which several notable guests are invited, people from all walks of life including actors, clergy, business leaders, livery masters and others. The intention is to provide a welcome break of normality away from the stress of the cases. Presently there are eight female Judges and seven male Judges. I was told that actor Colin Firth was once invited to lunch but arrived terribly late. He explained that he had become accosted by numerous ladies of the Court when he arrived and was unable to get away!

The most senior permanent judge of the Central Criminal Court has the title of Recorder of London, and their deputy has the title of Common Serjeant of London. The Recorder and the Common Serjeant are city officers, and the Recorder is a member of the Common Council because he is also a member of the Court of Aldermen. Presently the Recorder of London, HH Judge Mark Lucraft KC, also has a City ceremonial role and will be seen at Common Hall Elections and other City civic occasions.

Although the Old Bailey has a suite of numerous category A and B holding cells, no defendants are kept there overnight. On Court days, defendants are brought to Court from HMP/YOI Bellmarsh (male) and HMP/YOI Bronzefield (female). As Courts rise each day they are returned to their respective remand prisons.

If one ever gets the chance to visit the lower basement of Old Bailey, there are some fascinating sights to see. The Old Bailey once carried out executions, and there are a row of small, condemned inmate cells. Interestingly today they serve as workshops for carpentry, electrical and plumbing maintenance. At this level one can view Roman foundation remains and those of the notorious Victorian Newgate Gaol. The Fleet River runs directly underneath the Old Bailey; there is a large steel plate covering a very deep hole which allows a glimpse of the river running down below.

Speaking of visits, the CCC Events Manager runs guided tours on Saturdays, booking here available through Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-tour-of-the-old-bailey-tickets-954848075297

The tours cover the Grand Hall, Court No.1, a modern Court room and the cell block. Proceeds benefit the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund.