Andrea/Cara here, I’m in the middle of a new WIP which involves criminal activities (no spoilers!) and found myself throwing the term “Old Bailey”—the famous court building in London—when several of the characters were talking about a possible trial. Now, that name, like Newgate Prison, is an iconic one when speaking of Regency justice. However I realized I was pretty fuzzy on its actual details, so decided I had better do some quick research in order to get everything right.
As our readers know, the Wenches all enjoy doing research, and I’m no exception (yes, yes, we are all history nerds!) So I rolled up my cyber sleeves and dove right in. To my surprise the Old Bailey actually has its own website, with a very extensive and delightful history—which I will now share with you.
First of all, it’s located close to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and is named after the street on which it sits (which in turn takes it moniker from the fact that it rest upon part of the original fortified wall—or bailey—of the City.) A courthouse occupied the space in medieval times, but it was destroyed in 1666 during the Great Fire of London. In 1673 a new three story “Old Bailey” was built out of brick in the Italianate style, along with an open air Sessions House Yard. This area was known as the bail dock, as it was where prisoners were kept as they awaited trail. (It was separated from the street by a high, spike-topped wall to keep them from escaping.)
The building itself had several very interesting features. The ground floor, where the courtroom was located, had one side completely open to the outdoors, save for a line of stately Doric columns. The idea was to ensure good air flow in order to prevent diseases like gaol fever from spreading from prisoners to judges and spectators. Upstairs was a fancy dining room for the justices. (Privilege has its perks!)
Old Bailey was remodeled in 1737 and the open-air wall was enclosed. There’s speculation that the authorities not only wanted to keep out the weather, but also the riff-raff. In the past, there were complaints that the spectators were influencing the outcomes of the trials. Cutting off clean air did have consequences. An outbreak of gaol fever in 1750 killed 60 people including the Lord Mayor and two justices. After that, nosegays and herbs were passed out—a tradition that is still commemorated to this day in a ceremony.
Trials were a popular spectator sport, and officials charge an entry fee to view the proceeding. The High Sheriff thought that wrong and banned the practice in 1771, but an ensuing melee at the trail of a notorious radical later that year convinced him to restore the fee. Spectators had to pay for the pleasure of watching their fellow citizens prosecuted until 1860.
There was another renovation in 1774, with a new semi-circular wall built around the House Yard, complete with a narrower entrance to control the flow of spectators into the courthouse. Brick walls were also added to the passageway connecting the building to Newgate Prison.
In Regency times, Old Bailey was considered quite luxurious. Witnesses now their own private room in which to wait (in the past, they often had to hang out at the local pubs) Other amenities included a grand jury room sported 18 comfy leather chairs, an Indictment Office, a drawing room for the swordbearer and clerks of the justices, and a grand dining room for the Lord Mayor, fitted out with a mosaic-front fireplace, Turkey carpet and mahogany dining tables and chairs. (A downstairs kitchen cooked up fancy meals twice a day, complete with libations from the wine vault.)
Alas, the prisoners did not have it quite so plush in their basement quarters. The courtroom wasn’t so comfortable either. A large mirror was positioned to reflect daylight on the face of a prisoner (presumably so the jury and spectators could watch his reaction to the accusations.) As branding was still a punishment for some crimes, there were irons to hold those judged to be guilty while they were burned.
So, that’s a quick look at the “supreme court” of London. I’m a huge fan of Anne Perry’s Victorian historicals, many of which features trial scenes in Old Bailey, so it was fun to learn some of its actual history. How about you—what famous building would you like to know more about?—the Wench history nerds are listening!
I used to live a couple of streets from Old Bailey (on top of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street/Wine Office Court), but I’ve never made a detour to actually go there. Apparently you can still go and view court proceedings as long as you are over fourteen, though it’s a different building now.
Speaking of everything in The City being named after whatever was on that street: Wine Office Court!
I’m interested in pretty much all the buildings around Fleet Street/St Paul’s that were destroyed in and rebuilt after the Great Fire. The Cheshire Cheese was one, and it has a medieval crypt in the basement – spooky late at night!
I used to live a couple of streets from Old Bailey (on top of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street/Wine Office Court), but I’ve never made a detour to actually go there. Apparently you can still go and view court proceedings as long as you are over fourteen, though it’s a different building now.
Speaking of everything in The City being named after whatever was on that street: Wine Office Court!
I’m interested in pretty much all the buildings around Fleet Street/St Paul’s that were destroyed in and rebuilt after the Great Fire. The Cheshire Cheese was one, and it has a medieval crypt in the basement – spooky late at night!
I used to live a couple of streets from Old Bailey (on top of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street/Wine Office Court), but I’ve never made a detour to actually go there. Apparently you can still go and view court proceedings as long as you are over fourteen, though it’s a different building now.
Speaking of everything in The City being named after whatever was on that street: Wine Office Court!
I’m interested in pretty much all the buildings around Fleet Street/St Paul’s that were destroyed in and rebuilt after the Great Fire. The Cheshire Cheese was one, and it has a medieval crypt in the basement – spooky late at night!
I used to live a couple of streets from Old Bailey (on top of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street/Wine Office Court), but I’ve never made a detour to actually go there. Apparently you can still go and view court proceedings as long as you are over fourteen, though it’s a different building now.
Speaking of everything in The City being named after whatever was on that street: Wine Office Court!
I’m interested in pretty much all the buildings around Fleet Street/St Paul’s that were destroyed in and rebuilt after the Great Fire. The Cheshire Cheese was one, and it has a medieval crypt in the basement – spooky late at night!
I used to live a couple of streets from Old Bailey (on top of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street/Wine Office Court), but I’ve never made a detour to actually go there. Apparently you can still go and view court proceedings as long as you are over fourteen, though it’s a different building now.
Speaking of everything in The City being named after whatever was on that street: Wine Office Court!
I’m interested in pretty much all the buildings around Fleet Street/St Paul’s that were destroyed in and rebuilt after the Great Fire. The Cheshire Cheese was one, and it has a medieval crypt in the basement – spooky late at night!
For a look at the actual proceedings that went on at the Old Bailey, the website http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ has everything.
For a look at the actual proceedings that went on at the Old Bailey, the website http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ has everything.
For a look at the actual proceedings that went on at the Old Bailey, the website http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ has everything.
For a look at the actual proceedings that went on at the Old Bailey, the website http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ has everything.
For a look at the actual proceedings that went on at the Old Bailey, the website http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ has everything.
I enjoyed your post, Cara/Andrea. The next time you are in London, I suggest you visit the Museum of London. They have rebuilt an original Newgate Prison cell, complete with its small barred window and immensely thick wooden door with fearsome bolts.
One would really not want to be confined there!
I enjoyed your post, Cara/Andrea. The next time you are in London, I suggest you visit the Museum of London. They have rebuilt an original Newgate Prison cell, complete with its small barred window and immensely thick wooden door with fearsome bolts.
One would really not want to be confined there!
I enjoyed your post, Cara/Andrea. The next time you are in London, I suggest you visit the Museum of London. They have rebuilt an original Newgate Prison cell, complete with its small barred window and immensely thick wooden door with fearsome bolts.
One would really not want to be confined there!
I enjoyed your post, Cara/Andrea. The next time you are in London, I suggest you visit the Museum of London. They have rebuilt an original Newgate Prison cell, complete with its small barred window and immensely thick wooden door with fearsome bolts.
One would really not want to be confined there!
I enjoyed your post, Cara/Andrea. The next time you are in London, I suggest you visit the Museum of London. They have rebuilt an original Newgate Prison cell, complete with its small barred window and immensely thick wooden door with fearsome bolts.
One would really not want to be confined there!
Actually I was going to say I’d like to know more about the history of Newgate Prison. It comes up all the time in books I read and it would be interesting to know more about the place itself. I can only guess at the misery that was endured there!
Actually I was going to say I’d like to know more about the history of Newgate Prison. It comes up all the time in books I read and it would be interesting to know more about the place itself. I can only guess at the misery that was endured there!
Actually I was going to say I’d like to know more about the history of Newgate Prison. It comes up all the time in books I read and it would be interesting to know more about the place itself. I can only guess at the misery that was endured there!
Actually I was going to say I’d like to know more about the history of Newgate Prison. It comes up all the time in books I read and it would be interesting to know more about the place itself. I can only guess at the misery that was endured there!
Actually I was going to say I’d like to know more about the history of Newgate Prison. It comes up all the time in books I read and it would be interesting to know more about the place itself. I can only guess at the misery that was endured there!
I’d love to know more about White’s—history, any drawInge of the inside, anything!
I’d love to know more about White’s—history, any drawInge of the inside, anything!
I’d love to know more about White’s—history, any drawInge of the inside, anything!
I’d love to know more about White’s—history, any drawInge of the inside, anything!
I’d love to know more about White’s—history, any drawInge of the inside, anything!
Great post! Now I want to visit the Old Bailey! My list of buildings to see is entirely too long. I want to go back to Chatsworth. I was only nine when I visited. And I want to revisit Edinburgh Castle. I have never been to Brighton so I would love to see the Pavilion!
Great post! Now I want to visit the Old Bailey! My list of buildings to see is entirely too long. I want to go back to Chatsworth. I was only nine when I visited. And I want to revisit Edinburgh Castle. I have never been to Brighton so I would love to see the Pavilion!
Great post! Now I want to visit the Old Bailey! My list of buildings to see is entirely too long. I want to go back to Chatsworth. I was only nine when I visited. And I want to revisit Edinburgh Castle. I have never been to Brighton so I would love to see the Pavilion!
Great post! Now I want to visit the Old Bailey! My list of buildings to see is entirely too long. I want to go back to Chatsworth. I was only nine when I visited. And I want to revisit Edinburgh Castle. I have never been to Brighton so I would love to see the Pavilion!
Great post! Now I want to visit the Old Bailey! My list of buildings to see is entirely too long. I want to go back to Chatsworth. I was only nine when I visited. And I want to revisit Edinburgh Castle. I have never been to Brighton so I would love to see the Pavilion!
Oh, lucky you, Sonya. I’ve always dreamed of living in London for a while! Maybe some day. And how cool that you were atop the Cheshire Cheese.
Oh, lucky you, Sonya. I’ve always dreamed of living in London for a while! Maybe some day. And how cool that you were atop the Cheshire Cheese.
Oh, lucky you, Sonya. I’ve always dreamed of living in London for a while! Maybe some day. And how cool that you were atop the Cheshire Cheese.
Oh, lucky you, Sonya. I’ve always dreamed of living in London for a while! Maybe some day. And how cool that you were atop the Cheshire Cheese.
Oh, lucky you, Sonya. I’ve always dreamed of living in London for a while! Maybe some day. And how cool that you were atop the Cheshire Cheese.
It’s amazing all the records that one can get online. It would fascinating to dive in—but talk about a time suck! But nirvana for a history nerd.
It’s amazing all the records that one can get online. It would fascinating to dive in—but talk about a time suck! But nirvana for a history nerd.
It’s amazing all the records that one can get online. It would fascinating to dive in—but talk about a time suck! But nirvana for a history nerd.
It’s amazing all the records that one can get online. It would fascinating to dive in—but talk about a time suck! But nirvana for a history nerd.
It’s amazing all the records that one can get online. It would fascinating to dive in—but talk about a time suck! But nirvana for a history nerd.
Oh, Elizabeth, I LOVE the Museum of London, and have a picture of that cell! Loved the room on Vauxhall Gardens, too. It’s a terrific place. I also love the Dockyard Museum, which is a fascinating history of London from the maritime perspective.
Oh, Elizabeth, I LOVE the Museum of London, and have a picture of that cell! Loved the room on Vauxhall Gardens, too. It’s a terrific place. I also love the Dockyard Museum, which is a fascinating history of London from the maritime perspective.
Oh, Elizabeth, I LOVE the Museum of London, and have a picture of that cell! Loved the room on Vauxhall Gardens, too. It’s a terrific place. I also love the Dockyard Museum, which is a fascinating history of London from the maritime perspective.
Oh, Elizabeth, I LOVE the Museum of London, and have a picture of that cell! Loved the room on Vauxhall Gardens, too. It’s a terrific place. I also love the Dockyard Museum, which is a fascinating history of London from the maritime perspective.
Oh, Elizabeth, I LOVE the Museum of London, and have a picture of that cell! Loved the room on Vauxhall Gardens, too. It’s a terrific place. I also love the Dockyard Museum, which is a fascinating history of London from the maritime perspective.
As I read about Old Bailey, I was thinking of Newgate too. Yes, talk about misery. But it would be fascinating to know more aboutit. I think wealthy prisoners could purchase better conditions . . .I will make a note to do it for a future blog.
As I read about Old Bailey, I was thinking of Newgate too. Yes, talk about misery. But it would be fascinating to know more aboutit. I think wealthy prisoners could purchase better conditions . . .I will make a note to do it for a future blog.
As I read about Old Bailey, I was thinking of Newgate too. Yes, talk about misery. But it would be fascinating to know more aboutit. I think wealthy prisoners could purchase better conditions . . .I will make a note to do it for a future blog.
As I read about Old Bailey, I was thinking of Newgate too. Yes, talk about misery. But it would be fascinating to know more aboutit. I think wealthy prisoners could purchase better conditions . . .I will make a note to do it for a future blog.
As I read about Old Bailey, I was thinking of Newgate too. Yes, talk about misery. But it would be fascinating to know more aboutit. I think wealthy prisoners could purchase better conditions . . .I will make a note to do it for a future blog.
Oh, Lousia, Chatsworth is very high on my list too. I’ve never mine (yes, I know—shame om me! I tend to get caught up in London and miss getting to the countryside. All the more reason for more trips acorss the Pond!
And the Pavilion would be fabulous too. How about a roadtrip? (er, plane trip)
Oh, Lousia, Chatsworth is very high on my list too. I’ve never mine (yes, I know—shame om me! I tend to get caught up in London and miss getting to the countryside. All the more reason for more trips acorss the Pond!
And the Pavilion would be fabulous too. How about a roadtrip? (er, plane trip)
Oh, Lousia, Chatsworth is very high on my list too. I’ve never mine (yes, I know—shame om me! I tend to get caught up in London and miss getting to the countryside. All the more reason for more trips acorss the Pond!
And the Pavilion would be fabulous too. How about a roadtrip? (er, plane trip)
Oh, Lousia, Chatsworth is very high on my list too. I’ve never mine (yes, I know—shame om me! I tend to get caught up in London and miss getting to the countryside. All the more reason for more trips acorss the Pond!
And the Pavilion would be fabulous too. How about a roadtrip? (er, plane trip)
Oh, Lousia, Chatsworth is very high on my list too. I’ve never mine (yes, I know—shame om me! I tend to get caught up in London and miss getting to the countryside. All the more reason for more trips acorss the Pond!
And the Pavilion would be fabulous too. How about a roadtrip? (er, plane trip)
Thank you for this visit to the Old Bailey. The list of things to see if we are ever able to return to London keeps growing by leaps and bounds! As well as all the things to see outside that great city.
We may never get there but we are still planing our next trip. And will continue to do so. (Though I must admit the trip to Niagara Falls, some nearby parts of Canada, and upstate New York comes first on our list. Much closer to Missouri, yet we haven’t gotten there yet!)
Thank you for this visit to the Old Bailey. The list of things to see if we are ever able to return to London keeps growing by leaps and bounds! As well as all the things to see outside that great city.
We may never get there but we are still planing our next trip. And will continue to do so. (Though I must admit the trip to Niagara Falls, some nearby parts of Canada, and upstate New York comes first on our list. Much closer to Missouri, yet we haven’t gotten there yet!)
Thank you for this visit to the Old Bailey. The list of things to see if we are ever able to return to London keeps growing by leaps and bounds! As well as all the things to see outside that great city.
We may never get there but we are still planing our next trip. And will continue to do so. (Though I must admit the trip to Niagara Falls, some nearby parts of Canada, and upstate New York comes first on our list. Much closer to Missouri, yet we haven’t gotten there yet!)
Thank you for this visit to the Old Bailey. The list of things to see if we are ever able to return to London keeps growing by leaps and bounds! As well as all the things to see outside that great city.
We may never get there but we are still planing our next trip. And will continue to do so. (Though I must admit the trip to Niagara Falls, some nearby parts of Canada, and upstate New York comes first on our list. Much closer to Missouri, yet we haven’t gotten there yet!)
Thank you for this visit to the Old Bailey. The list of things to see if we are ever able to return to London keeps growing by leaps and bounds! As well as all the things to see outside that great city.
We may never get there but we are still planing our next trip. And will continue to do so. (Though I must admit the trip to Niagara Falls, some nearby parts of Canada, and upstate New York comes first on our list. Much closer to Missouri, yet we haven’t gotten there yet!)
All I remember seeing in London was Buckingham Palace. I was 4 and we were moving to Canada so this was my last chance. I remember being told it was where the Queen lived. I also remember being upset that she didn’t come out to wave. The year we moved to Canada was the Centennial and guess who came to visit Victoria, BC where I was now living? Yup, The Queen and Prince Philip. I remember thinking, I was outside your house but now I see you outside The Parliament in Canada. I’d had to come all the way to Canada to see my Queen.
I’d love to go back now and see much more…ah well, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative post! 🙂
PS I’ve seen her again but once again in Victoria. We stood for about an hour waiting for her to do a walkabout. Beautiful and gracious.
All I remember seeing in London was Buckingham Palace. I was 4 and we were moving to Canada so this was my last chance. I remember being told it was where the Queen lived. I also remember being upset that she didn’t come out to wave. The year we moved to Canada was the Centennial and guess who came to visit Victoria, BC where I was now living? Yup, The Queen and Prince Philip. I remember thinking, I was outside your house but now I see you outside The Parliament in Canada. I’d had to come all the way to Canada to see my Queen.
I’d love to go back now and see much more…ah well, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative post! 🙂
PS I’ve seen her again but once again in Victoria. We stood for about an hour waiting for her to do a walkabout. Beautiful and gracious.
All I remember seeing in London was Buckingham Palace. I was 4 and we were moving to Canada so this was my last chance. I remember being told it was where the Queen lived. I also remember being upset that she didn’t come out to wave. The year we moved to Canada was the Centennial and guess who came to visit Victoria, BC where I was now living? Yup, The Queen and Prince Philip. I remember thinking, I was outside your house but now I see you outside The Parliament in Canada. I’d had to come all the way to Canada to see my Queen.
I’d love to go back now and see much more…ah well, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative post! 🙂
PS I’ve seen her again but once again in Victoria. We stood for about an hour waiting for her to do a walkabout. Beautiful and gracious.
All I remember seeing in London was Buckingham Palace. I was 4 and we were moving to Canada so this was my last chance. I remember being told it was where the Queen lived. I also remember being upset that she didn’t come out to wave. The year we moved to Canada was the Centennial and guess who came to visit Victoria, BC where I was now living? Yup, The Queen and Prince Philip. I remember thinking, I was outside your house but now I see you outside The Parliament in Canada. I’d had to come all the way to Canada to see my Queen.
I’d love to go back now and see much more…ah well, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative post! 🙂
PS I’ve seen her again but once again in Victoria. We stood for about an hour waiting for her to do a walkabout. Beautiful and gracious.
All I remember seeing in London was Buckingham Palace. I was 4 and we were moving to Canada so this was my last chance. I remember being told it was where the Queen lived. I also remember being upset that she didn’t come out to wave. The year we moved to Canada was the Centennial and guess who came to visit Victoria, BC where I was now living? Yup, The Queen and Prince Philip. I remember thinking, I was outside your house but now I see you outside The Parliament in Canada. I’d had to come all the way to Canada to see my Queen.
I’d love to go back now and see much more…ah well, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for an entertaining and informative post! 🙂
PS I’ve seen her again but once again in Victoria. We stood for about an hour waiting for her to do a walkabout. Beautiful and gracious.
I would love to learn more about Newgate prison and I think it was called the Fleet which I understand was a debtor’s prison.
I would love to learn more about Newgate prison and I think it was called the Fleet which I understand was a debtor’s prison.
I would love to learn more about Newgate prison and I think it was called the Fleet which I understand was a debtor’s prison.
I would love to learn more about Newgate prison and I think it was called the Fleet which I understand was a debtor’s prison.
I would love to learn more about Newgate prison and I think it was called the Fleet which I understand was a debtor’s prison.