London Air Cadets recently found themselves in the cells at Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the “The Old Bailey”.

However, much to the relief of Wing Commander Sylvie Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing, the 30 Cadets and Staff were fortunate that their visit was purely for educational reasons to learn about the history and modern function of the Court.

The cadets attended as guests of Mr Charles Henty, who is Secondary of London and Under Sheriff and High Bailiff of Southwark, as well as the man who makes everything tick in the Old Bailey.

The Old Bailey occupies the site of the main Roman West Gate to the ancient City of London which was renamed New Gate in the 12th century. Until the late 18th century up to 50,000 prisoners were sent west from this site on carts for hanging at Tyburn (now at the far end of Oxford Street). From then until 1868 hangings took place in public outside Newgate.

Both Newgate prison and the nearby Sessions House were demolished in 1902 and on the site the present building was built, designed by E W Mountford and opened by King Edward VII in February 1907. The two Sheriffs of London reside at the Old Bailey during their year in office in recognition of their 1,000-year-old role in supervising law and order.

After being taken inside the famous Court number 1, the cadets were given a captivating talk by Mr Henty about his daily working life, the history of the building, and also a riveting insight into the types of trials which are heard at the court.

The Cadets were given a chance to find out what it feels like to stand in the same dock in Court number 1 where famous murderers Dr Crippen, the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, and Muswell Hill murderer Dennis Nilsen once stood.

Following the experience of standing in the Dock, the cadets were then lead to the main halls of the Central Criminal Court, where all were surprised by the grandeur of it, with artwork scaling the marble walls and ceilings providing a surprisingly bright and colourful environment in a building where serious and in many cases unpleasant issues are dealt with!

The Cadets were shown around the prisoners cells (being warned first against closing the cell doors behind them as they might be stuck there until the morning!), whilst learning about many more intriguing cases dealt with at the court as well as various other goings on, including the tale of one man who tried to enter into the building pretending to be wearing a jacket full of explosives! A rare exception of someone trying to get in rather than out, of the Old Bailey!

Before the Cadets departed they were shown where and how criminals are transported and processed while at the Court as well as the security measures taken whilst doing so.

The tour ended in Court 19, which is one of the more modern courts where the cadets learnt more about how different trials are treated. Overall, this rare opportunity (which is not open to the general public, and truly is invitation only) was certainly not one to be missed, with a clear fascination about all that they learnt being very evident amongst all cadets in attendance, who were pleased their visit was pleasure only!