Didn’t Oscar Wilde, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards all once face a judge here at The Courthouse? This luxury hotel in Central London has a past. The Courthouse Hotel London was once the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court. It was the second-oldest magistrates court in the UK. The building dates back to the 1800s.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the courtroom. Charles Dickens worked here as a reporter in 1835. He covered the daily dramas unfolding within these very walls. Later, in 1847, Louis Napoleon appeared as a witness. His testimony was for a fraud case.
The Courthouse saw many famous faces. In 1895, Oscar Wilde brought a libel charge. It was against the Marquess of Queensbury. In 1963, Christine Keeler’s case led to the Profumo scandal. The scandal rocked the British government.
The 1960s and 70s brought more celebrities to The Courthouse. In 1966, Bob Monkhouse faced conspiracy charges. In 1967, Katie Boyle gave evidence. Her testimony was for a careless driving case. Mick Jagger was fined in 1969 for drug charges. Keith Richards faced similar charges in 1973. He was fined for possession of various substances.
John Lennon also appeared here in 1970. He was taken to court for exhibiting sexually explicit pictures. Johnny Rotten, of the Sex Pistols, was fined in 1977. His fine was for possessing amphetamine sulphate. In 1981, John Miller appeared in court. He masterminded the kidnapping of Ronnie Biggs.
The Courthouse closed as a court in 1998. It transformed into The Courthouse Hotel London. Now, it is a five-star hotel. It stands next to the London Palladium Theatre. It is also opposite Carnaby Street and Liberty London.
Some original features remain at The Courthouse. The Bar’s private tables are in old prison cells. The Silk restaurant is in the old Number One court. The Magistrates Suites are located in the former judges’ quarters. These suites have original fireplaces and oak flooring.
Today, The Courthouse Hotel London offers luxury and style. It has 116 bedrooms and suites. There is a cocktail bar and award-winning restaurants. Guests can relax at the Sanook Spa. The spa has a swimming pool. A rooftop terrace offers views of the London skyline. You can even book a private BBQ here in the summer.
From courtroom dramas to hotel luxury, The Courthouse has stories to tell. Its walls have seen history unfold. The Courthouse Hotel London blends its past with modern comforts. It offers a unique experience in the heart of London.