Centenary of The Old Bailey

Submitted by Austen Redman on Tue, 2007-02-27 06:31.

The Old Bailey

London's Central Criminal Court, better known as "The Old Bailey" celebrates its centenary today. The buildings by E.W. Mounteford, in a style derived from Wren, replaced the old Newgate Gaol.

There are some fascinating historic photographs of the building here. 

More information on today's celebrations, including a visit by the Queen, can be found here.

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Protected?

Submitted by GFS on Tue, 2007-02-27 14:54.

Is this building protected?

Protected

Submitted by Austen Redman on Wed, 2007-02-28 09:09.

Yes, the Old Bailey has been listed as Grade II* since 1970. The list description is this:

 OLD BAILEY EC4 1. 5002 (East Side) Central Criminal Court TQ 3181 SE 8/180 29.2.70. II* 2. 1900-1907 by Mountford. Large classical building of Portland stone. 3 main storeys. Rusticated ground storey with round-arched openings and central entrance with carved figures above. 2 smaller entrances. Ionic order to channelled upper storeys. Main entablature topped by high blocking and balustrade. Central copper-roofed dome on square, rusticated base with Ionic colonnade and stone lantern bearing gilded figure of Justice. Short, bowed return to Newgate Street. Interior has large lower and upper halls and a central staircase faced with stone, marble and alabaster. Mosaic decoration and mural paintings by Gerald Moira. Sculpture by Pomeroy. Important collection of statues of various dates. Courts Nos 2 and 3 rebuilt since 1945. Main original interiors all carefully designed. Modern extension to south.

Listed Buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance, Grade I, II* & II. All Listed Buildings are of special interest. Grade I buildings are of paramount importance to the nation and Grade II* are of outstanding interest.

There is a complete register of listed buildings in England with photographs and listing descriptions on this site: http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk

The site requires registration to search.

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Statuary

Submitted by GFS on Wed, 2007-02-28 10:12.

Do you know the name of the statue that surmounts the dome?  If not, is there someone who knows/remembers?

Statuary

Submitted by Austen Redman on Thu, 2007-03-01 06:33.

It is Justice by Francis Pomeroy (1907).

Interestingly I sold one of my own photographs of it a couple of years ago for use on a "Juror appreciation week" poster in the US a couple of years ago.