Image credit: Acabashi / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 2018-04-05 ↗
Central Criminal Court / Old Bailey
Old Bailey / Newgate · Old Bailey / Newgate · Second-audit addition
Story
The Old Bailey, officially the Central Criminal Court, is a grand institutional building crowned by the figure of Lady Justice on its dome. The current court occupies a site deeply connected with the history of Newgate Prison and London’s penal system. This imposing building, opened in the early twentieth century, transformed that carceral landscape into a monumental judicial complex. For centuries, this site has been a point of convergence for imprisonment, trial, punishment, and justice in the City of London, a continuity reflected in the presence of this court in the very place where the infamous prison once stood.
What to look for
Look at the monumental Edwardian Baroque composition of the building and, gazing upwards, the dome that crowns it, atop which stands the golden figure of Lady Justice.
Secret detail
The court stands directly on the site of the notorious Newgate Prison. London's judicial and carceral history deeply overlap and intertwine in this very spot.
Where exactly
The Central Criminal Court on Old Bailey.
Orientation
Lady Justice is viewed from the public exterior space. Do not obstruct court entrances or security checkpoints.
Why it matters
This building anchors the iconic figure of Lady Justice to a working court and, beyond that, to the much older penal landscape of Newgate, revealing the enduring presence of justice in a single historic location.
Access & opening
Live verification required before production routing.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Needs production accessibility check.