OUR most popular service covering both the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice, It starts at 11am, when visitors meet outside the Royal Courts of Justice, for a short introduction to the Court. Once inside the building visitors are shown the legal costume exhibition, before being taken into Court 4 (space permitting), where the Lord Chief Justice sits. Groups usually stay for about half-an-hour in court, listening to a criminal appeal. From the Court, the group moves on to Lincoln’s Inn Fields, for a brief talk about Lincoln’s Inn, where many of the country’s top barristers have their chambers.
The tour finishes at the Old Bailey, where visitors are given a talk about the history of the court. Each person is provided with an exclusive typed guide to the Old Bailey. This includes a complete run-down of every case on in the 18 courts, enabling visitors to make an informed choice of which cases to see. The Old Bailey hears more murder trials than any other court in the country.
Groups arrive at the Old Bailey by about 1pm. Lunch can then be taken.
Lunch will be taken at The Magpie & Stump:
History of the Magpie & Stump pub where the lunch will be held:
In the 1700s the Magpie & Stump was one of the most renowned ‘mughouses’ in London. Back in those days guests would visit for a pint of Two’penny ale (served in their own mug) & a prime view of the hanging outside Newgate Prison. We would even send out a last pint to the condemned man before his execution.
In the 1950s the Magpie & Stump affectionately became known as ‘Courtroom No 10’
– a gathering place for detectives and reporters to discuss the trial of the day at the Old Bailey
over a traditional lunch of chop ‘n’ chips.
Court information after lunch:
The court opens for its afternoon session at 2pm, when visitors can take their pick of the criminal cases on. It is entirely up to you how long you stay in court. The Old Bailey courts rise between 4 and 4.30pm.
Food Menu Magpie and Stump:
Thick-cut chips (V) —
Tour Cost is £12/£10 concsession (over65/student)