Central Criminal Court

The Central Criminal Court is a courthouse in the City of London containing several courtrooms across different floors and a copper dome. The building stretches along an entire street front, with heavy stone facades and tall windows that reveal little of the interior.

Architect Edward William Mountford designed the courthouse, which opened in 1907 and replaced the medieval Newgate Prison. Since that time the building has heard some of the country's most important criminal trials and received extensions reaching into the second half of the 20th century.

This court is often called the Old Bailey, a name taken from the street where it stands and dating back to medieval times. Today the building tries cases from across London, and visitors can look down through glass doors onto the dock and the judge's bench.

Visitors can follow proceedings from galleries but must arrive early because seating is limited and security checks take some time. Electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras are not allowed and must be surrendered before entering.

The figure of Justice on top of the dome stands roughly 60 meters (200 feet) above the ground and wears no blindfold, unlike many other depictions of this figure. The reason for this remains unclear, but it is thought sculptor Frederick William Pomeroy deliberately chose to depart from tradition.

Location: City of London

Architects: Edward William Mountford

Official opening: February 27, 1907

Email: info@oldbaileyinsight.co.uk

Website: https://old-bailey.com

GPS coordinates: 51.51583,-0.10194

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00