Image credit: It's No Game / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · 2017-09-17 ↗
Old Bailey’s Lady Justice: Justice without a Blindfold
Old Bailey · St Paul’s → Newgate → Smithfield → Clerkenwell · Courthouse / sculpture / legal London
Story
High above the Old Bailey stands a gilded figure that almost everyone recognises without having studied it closely: Lady Justice. She carries a sword in one hand, symbolising judicial authority, and scales in the other, representing the weighing of evidence. Yet, one feature many people assume must be present is conspicuously absent—she is not blindfolded. This statue was created by sculptor F. W. Pomeroy for the courthouse building, which opened in the early twentieth century. The blindfold was never a universal attribute of Justice; historically, it could even be satirical, implying justice was unable to see. An unblindfolded Lady Justice is therefore neither a mistake nor an accidental omission, but a deliberate choice emphasising that justice should clearly see the facts. Her setting adds another layer of meaning. The Central Criminal Court, popularly known as the Old Bailey, was built on the site of the infamous Newgate Prison. Thus, above a place associated for centuries with imprisonment and executions, now rises a figure embodying institutional justice. There is no need to enter the court: simply stand far enough back, look up at the dome, and use your camera zoom to confirm that her eyes are open.
What to look for
Look closely for the traditional attributes: the sword and the scales. Then, using your camera's zoom, confirm the absence of the blindfold over the figure's eyes.
Secret detail
The Old Bailey stands directly on the foundations of the former Newgate Prison. This location symbolically links modern justice with a centuries-long history of punishment and confinement.
Where exactly
Find a safe viewpoint on Old Bailey or Newgate Street from which the entire dome of the building is visible.
Orientation
Step back from the building's façade; from too close a vantage point, the figure of Lady Justice might be obscured by the perspective.
Why it matters
This statue, in its emblematic location, encapsulates the evolution of British justice from historical punishment to modern legal application. The decision to omit the blindfold reflects a particular vision of impartiality and transparency.
Access & opening
Security restrictions apply near court entrances; do not obstruct access or photograph where prohibited indoors.
Exterior view free.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Public pavement; choose safe crossing/viewpoint.