Records of the Old Bailey in London, England

England Court Records

The Old Bailey was the criminal court for London and Middlesex, from April 1674 to October 1834. It then became the Central Criminal Court and its jurisdiction extended beyond that of London and Middlesex to the whole of the English jurisdiction for trial of major cases.

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913 are available to search online. The records contain details on more than 197,000 criminal trials and they can be searched by:


 * Keyword
 * Surname
 * Given Name
 * Alias
 * Offence
 * Verdict
 * Punishment
 * Time Period
 * Reference Number
 * Place and Map

Information about How to Read an Old Bailey Trial has also been provided.

A Royal Pardon of George IV

In 1834 the Old Bailey was designated the Assize court for London and the surrounding counties and the name change to Central Criminal Court took place at the same time. Post-1834 records are at TNA and include:


 * After trial calendars.
 * Printed shorthand notes of proceedings.
 * Depositions.
 * Indictments.
 * Court books.
 * Appeals, criminal petitions and transportation records.

TNA's research guide L27 describes these records.

Websites

 * History of The Old Bailey Courthouse (London Lives). Includes paintings, sketches, and photographs of the building.