Visit to the Old Bailey

This evening I was fortunate enough to have a private visit behind the scenes at the Old Bailey. Guided by the administrator Charlie Henty whose historic title is Secondary of London, Under Sheriff and High Bailiff of Southwark I saw parts of the Central Criminal courts that are not usually open to the public.

The high ceilings and dome of the main hall are decorated with scenes from British history, the artist inculding a small self portrait in every crowd scene. Walls and floors were marble in many different types and colours. Leading from the condemned cell (twice the size of the other Edwardian cells) is the dead man's walk, the way to the gallows made more terrifying as it narrows along its length, literally the walls close in on the condemned prisoner.

I would have loved to take a photograph for tonight's blip but that requires special permission. So as we walked away across St Pauls Churchyard, looking for somewhere to have supper I looked up at the cathedral and took this picture