Explore London 2 were led by David Treder, via Farringdon station, to visit the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known as the Old Bailey.
This is one of the buildings that house the Crown Court of England and Wales The group, with other members of the public, were able to observe trials in progress, after undergoing the very strict security procedures that are in place. Their first visit began in The Viaduct Tavern (originally a gin palace) with a talk about the history of the Old Bailey.
Underneath The Viaduct Tavern are preserved two of the grim cells of the medieval jail of Newgate Prison.
The court takes its name from the street on which it stands that follows the original wall around the bailey of the City of London.
The medieval courthouse was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and The Old Bailey courthouse has since been rebuilt several times. https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/about/the-old-bailey
The current building was opened in1907 by King Edward VII and is lavishly decorated. On their second visit, members of the group went for an out of hours tour to see its splendour.
Marion Mackenzie, who attended both visits said “It was quite a contrast to see the OB from the different perspectives“.
Credits
- Text by Jackie Wiggins.
- Photos by Marion Mackenzie and Jackie Wiggins
My thanks to all contributors, credited or otherwise (please let me know so I can rectify).