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Not
a classic tourist sight but the Old Bailey or Central Criminal Court
offers a unique authentic insight into London.
The Old Bailey is the main criminal court for England and wales
where all the big criminal trials are hosted.
The Old Bailey itself was built about a century ago on the site
of an old prison.
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The
courts consist of 18 courtrooms, nearly all have public viewing galleries.
The British justice system with its peculiar wigged judges and barristers
are there to be seen.
Don't expect the drama of a filmed courtroom epic its normally much
more ponderous and workmanlike. You will get an authentic experience
of the British criminal system at work, something most visitors will
remember.
The trials are posted by the entrance to the courts, you can normally
pick the trial or trials that take your fancy.
Admission
Charges
Free -
There is no admission for children under 14 and proof of age may be
requested by security.
No cameras, video equipment , mobile phones, bags, food or drink are
allowed in the building
For security reasons you are not allowed to take large bags or other
items into the courts. There is also no facilities to leave such items
so travel light.
Opening
Times :
Monday - Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm (approx).
There is a reduced court sitting in August |
Getting
to The Old Bailey :
The nearest
Underground Station is St Paul's from where you follow the signs to
Old Bailey, about 5 minutes walk. The Old Bailey is sited in the financial
district of London. During the week the area is crowded with office
workers, at the weekend the area resembles a ghost town, many of the
shops and businesses closing. |
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Very
few people live in the area, the notable exception being the moden
Barbican Estate, just to the east. At the Barbican is also the London
Museum, giving an authorative story of the history of London from
its roots in Roman times to the modern day. Entrance is free.
The very popular hop
on, hop off London tour buses stop at St Paul's Cathedral close
by. |
What
To Do Around The Old Bailey :
The Old Bailey is in the City Of London, the old original part of
London when it had a city wall. St Paul's Cathedral is very close
by the Old Bailey. Just north of St Paul's is the London Museum, which
tell you the history of London, (free). From St Paul's the Millennium
Bridge, a footbridge crosses the River Thames to the Tate Modern Gallery
and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
We have made available a free self guided walk, (outline map below).
A circular walk that has St Paul's Cathedral and Underground on its
route. This covers most of what is of interest in the City of London
area.
See: City
of London Self Guided Walk Pages
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