Universally known as the Old Bailey, this is probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries. It hears cases remitted to it from all over England and Wales as well as the Greater London area.
The City of London Corporation provides the court for the purpose of sitting under the Courts Act 1971.
The Common Serjeant of London is the second most senior permanent judge of the Central Criminal Court after the Recorder of London, acting as deputy to that office, and sitting as a judge in the trial of criminal offences.
The Common Serjeant aids the Recorder at the Central Criminal Court, acts as judge at the Mayor's Court and legal adviser and counsel to the City of London Corporation, and performs certain functions at the election of city officers.
Formerly, the Common Serjeant of London was a legal officer of the City Corporation of London. The Common Serjeant of London attended on the Lord Mayor of London and the Court of Aldermen on court days, and acted with them in council. He also attended the Court of Aldermen and Common Council, and had charge of the Orphans' Estates.
The present Common Serjeant is His Honour Judge Brian Barker QC.
How to get here
Central Criminal Court
Old Bailey
London EC4M 7EH
T 020 7248 3277
By tube
- Central
- St Paul's
(follow the signs to Old Bailey).
There is no public access to the precincts of the Central Criminal Court but the public galleries are open each day for viewing of trials in session.
Opening times
Monday - Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm (approx.)
The court is closed on Bank Holiday Mondays and the day immediately after.
There is a reduced court sitting in August.
Large organised groups, such as visiting school or college parties, should always endeavour to call the Head of Security at the Court prior to visiting for an indication as to the availability of seating space at the intended time of the group visit.
Please note: Public Gallery seating can never be reserved under any circumstances.
There is no admission for children under 14 and proof of age may be requested by security. No electronic devices, bags, food or drink are allowed in the building. There are NO facilities for the safekeeping of such items available at the entrance to the public galleries.
Daily case listings can be obtained from the Court Service website.
Proceedings of the Old Bailey 1674 - 1834 can be found on the Old Bailey Online.
Further information about the building itself is available in the architectural heritage pages, or you can email ccc.enquiries@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
For queries regarding the Shrievalty or the Lord Mayor's visits to the Court, please email ccc.enquiries@cityoflondon.gov.uk