On Saturday 26th September, 29 members enjoyed a fascinating private guided tour of the Old Bailey, London’s famous Central Criminal Court.
Our guide, Jay Patel, has worked within the court system for an impressive 47 years. His wealth of knowledge, combined with his engaging storytelling, brought the history of the Old Bailey to life. Along the way, he entertained us with tales of famous trials, colourful historical anecdotes, and an insightful explanation of how criminal court proceedings operate today.
We entered the building through the same entrance used by judges, legal teams, witnesses and other court officials before exploring its magnificent interior. The ornate halls, complete with Italian marble columns and stunning artwork, provided a glimpse into the building’s rich heritage. Jay highlighted many of the original features, as well as areas that had been restored or rebuilt following wartime bomb damage.
We also heard about some of the Old Bailey’s most famous cases, from the trial of Dr Crippen to more recent proceedings involving Ian Huntley.
A highlight of the visit was touring two very different courtrooms, one considerably older than the other. Sitting in the various seats while Jay explained who sits where and the role each person plays during a trial gave us a real sense of how daunting the experience can be for defendants, witnesses and families alike.
Our tour also took us down to the holding cells, a place none of us were keen to stay in for long, before concluding in the Judges’ private dining room. We had imagined lavish lunches fit for television dramas, but were surprised to learn that judges have only a short time to leave their courtrooms, enjoy lunch, and return to proceedings. With everything completed within an hour, a simple two-course meal is the order of the day.
The visit was both educational and thoroughly enjoyable, giving us a unique insight into one of the country’s most iconic buildings. We all came away having learned something new and with plenty to talk about afterwards.