LGBTQ+ Social Group: Old Bailey Tour
16th February 2023 from 5:00pm — 6:30pm • Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EH
The first Old Bailey courthouse was built in the sixteenth century as the principal court for the delivery of justice in the City. Built on top of the original Newgate Gaol, the building we see today was opened in 1907 and is a magnificent example of early 20th century public architecture. Still used for it’s original function, an extension of the building was opened in 1972 to provide additional courtroom space.
The Old Bailey has paid witness to a substantial part of the history of the City. It has also been a location where LGBTQ+ people have been historically tried for the crime of being who they are. Notable individuals such as writer Oscar Wilde and computing pioneer Alan Turing were tried within the court under the archaic laws of the time. All men convicted in Britain by historical legislation that outlawed homosexual acts, was overturned in 2017 with the passing of the Alan Turing Law.
Join us for a tour of the historic Old Bailey, lead by one of the Sheriffs and learn about the rich and tumultuous history of this building.