Where Is The Old Bailey?

The Old Bailey is the popular name of the Central Criminal Court, one of the Crown Courts of the UK, located in the Inner parts of the capital city of London. The term Bailey means the outer courtyard of a castle and could refer to the Newgate Gaol which stood on the site prior to the Central Criminal Court and whose location was just within the limits of the city of London in medieval times.

The present structure was built in 1907 and is located at Old Bailey Street between two prominent landmarks, St Paul's Cathedral and Holborn. The jurisdiction of the Old Bailey extends over the Greater London region with trial proceedings involving major criminal cases being held in the Court.

The building designed by E.W. Mountford was damaged during World War II times and was subsequently renovated in 1968 with construction work involving the building of a new South Block; the most recognizable feature of the Old Bailey is the Statue of Justice located on top of the dome of the building. Judges in the Old Bailey are addressed as 'My Lord' irrespective of their particular designation and the court proceedings are open to the public; the senior most judge is bestowed the title Recorder of London.