This venerable building, which follows the line of the old fortified city wall, is the Central Criminal Court of London. It is known as The Old Bailey after the road on which it stands. The major cases of Greater London go on trial here, as well others from time to time from England and Wales. The court stands on what was once the infamous Newgate Gaol, built next to the courts to be able to transfer prisoners easily.

The courts are first mentioned in 1585, but the current building dates from 1902. The courts have traditionally attracted both the most and least respectable members of society, and most trials remain open to the public today.

The huge ceremonial gates only open for visiting royalty and the Lord Mayor. 197,745 of the criminal trials carried out here are recorded in the Proceedings of the Old Bailey. At the top of the court's dome stands the golden figure of a lady of Justice, for once not blindfolded, keeping an eye on the city below.

The Old Bailey

Old Bailey London EC4M 7EH

Opening times

The sitting times for the court are 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm (approx).