Central Criminal Court in London

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comments 5

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  Gail Spencer

  :: 20 February 2018 18:47:09

  The biggest data operation in the UK is to put the huge records this place has on the court proceedings it has witnessed in its various incarnations. Even back in the day when Newgate was the prison that stood on this site (1188 - 1901), there were Sessions here which later became proper criminal hearings. As the Old Bailey, as it has been nicknamed, it has heard some of the most infamous criminal cases, Crippen, Sutcliffe etc...it is though, also a truly magnificent building. Looks glorious in the summer.

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  mpampis antoniadis

  :: 11 February 2018 10:00:27

  The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, commonly referred to as the Old Bailey from the street on which it stands, is a court in London and one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court. Part of the present building stands on the site of the medieval Newgate gaol, on a road named Old Bailey that follows the line of the City of London's fortified wall (or bailey), which runs from Ludgate Hill to the junction of Newgate Street and Holborn Viaduct. The Old Bailey has been housed in several structures near this location since the sixteenth century, and its present building dates from 1902. The Crown Court sitting at the Central Criminal Court deals with major criminal cases from within Greater London and in exceptional cases, from other parts of England and Wales. Trials at the Old Bailey, as at other courts, are open to the public; however, they are subject to stringent security procedures. History Newgate gaol in 1810. For much of its history, the "Old Baily" court was attached to the gaol. An Old Bailey trial, circa 1808. The court originated as the sessions house of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London and of Middlesex. The original medieval court was first mentioned in 1585; it was next to the older Newgate gaol, and seems to have grown out of the endowment to improve the gaol and rooms for the Sheriffs, made possible by a gift from Richard Whittington. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and rebuilt in 1674, with the court open to the weather to prevent the spread of disease. Plaque commemorating Bushel's Case of 1670 In 1734 it was refronted, enclosing the court and reducing the influence of spectators: this led to outbreaks of typhus, notably in 1750 when 60 people died, including the Lord Mayor and two judges. It was rebuilt again in 1774 and a second courtroom was added in 1824. Over 100,000 criminal trials were carried out at the Old Bailey between 1674 and 1834.[1] In 1834, it was renamed as the Central Criminal Court and its jurisdiction extended beyond that of London and Middlesex to the whole of the English jurisdiction for trials of major cases. Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service manages the courts and administers the trials but the building itself is owned by the City of London Corporation, which finances the building, the running of it, the staff and the maintenance out of their own resources.[2] The court was originally intended as the site where only criminals accused of crimes committed in the City and Middlesex were tried. However, in 1856, there was public revulsion at the accusations against the doctor William Palmer that he was a poisoner and murderer. This led to fears that he could not receive a fair trial in his native Staffordshire. The Central Criminal Court Act 1856 was passed to enable his trial to be held at the Old Bailey. In the 19th century, the Old Bailey was a courtroom adjacent to Newgate gaol. Hangings were a public spectacle in the street outside until May 1868. The condemned would be led along Dead Man's Walk between the prison and the court, and many were buried in the walk itself. Large, riotous crowds would gather and pelt the condemned with rotten fruit and vegetables and stones.[2] In 1807, 28 people were crushed to death after a pie-seller's stall overturned. A secret tunnel was subsequently created between the prison and St Sepulchre's church opposite, to allow the chaplain to minister to the condemned man without having to force his way through the crowds

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  Mike Taylor

  :: 23 November 2017 20:37:25

  Head in the morning and try to find space in a gallery in an interesting trial. It's nail buying stuff often and you'll want to return the following day to hear what else has to be said! Highly recommended if only to see our justice system in action. Need to spend at least 30mins in the gallery

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  Matt Wilson

  :: 18 October 2017 16:25:46

  Wasn't a very nice place in my experience. Felt that the judge had it in for me and don't get me started on the prosecution. Came here hoping for a nice short visit but ended up being dragged back daily for 2 weeks. Hoping things have changed in 13 years but not holding my breath.

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  Jane Hosang

  :: 22 August 2017 23:59:57

  I was witness and all them treated me very kindly. People was working as volunteers giving all attention. Even the judge and barristers made all for I feel comfortable. Besides, the place is so beautiful.