Inner London Crown Court

Can you imagine what secrets these grand walls might hold? We are standing before the Inner London Crown Court, a place where justice is served, and dramas unfold. This imposing building, which dates back to 1921, was designed by the renowned architect W. E Riley in the classic style. The Inner London Crown Court is a marvel of architecture with its symmetrical façade featuring a central arched doorway surrounded by a pediment. It is a Grade II listed building, meaning that it is considered to be of special architectural and historical significance. The building saw a significant extension in 1974. This addition provided 10 courts for use on the South Eastern Circuit. These courts are where West Ham fans were convicted of violent disorder in 2010, after the Upton Park riot. Perhaps these courts have hosted many other historical trials. The Inner London Crown Court, though a formidable building, also embodies the spirit of London itself – a mix of old and new, justice and human stories. As we move on from here, I want you to keep in mind the words of the famous 19th-century writer, Charles Dickens, who described this very court in his dictionary as ‘The Slaughter House.’ Indeed, the building was once adjacent to the Horsemonger Lane Gaol, a notorious prison where executions took place. What stories do you think this court has heard?