The Old Bailey

This is the name for the Central Criminal Court, named after the street on whose corner it stands. The first criminal court was established at Old Bailey in 1539 and the Central Criminal Court was set up by the Central Criminal Court Act 1834. That Act gave the Court jurisdiction "to inquire of, hear and determine all treasons, murders, felonies and misdemeanours" committed within the City of London and the County of Middlesex and in those adjoining parts of the Counties of Essex, Kent and Surrey within the parishes listed in the Act and "to deliver Newgate Gaol" of the prisoners therein. Newgate Prison and the sessions house were demolished in 1902 to make way for the present (old) building designed by E.W. Mountford, which was opened by H.M. King Edward VII in 1907.

Opposite it there is a pub called The Magpie and Stump, though this was recently demolished, but rebuilt as a modern building. The gentry used to pay the large sum of ten pounds to watch the execution of convicted prisoners outside the prison, and this was a very popular entertainment in those days! In 1835, five years before Thomas was tried, three boys under 14 were hanged for burglary. In 1868 Michael Barrett was the last person to be publicly executed. Executions were then within the walls.

At the beginning of each Law Session, the judges walk in procession to the Old Bailey, still carrying posies, as was the custom when it was necessary to disguise the stench from the prison.