Royal Courts of Justice

Landmark in Holborn
Royal Courts of Justice image
Address
Strand, Holborn, WC2A 2LL
Telephone
020 7947 6000
Category
Landmarks
Region
Holborn
Nearest Station
Temple
0.18 miles
Opening Times
Monday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Tuesday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Wednesday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Thursday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Friday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Located on the Strand is the England's primary civil court- the Royal Courts of Justice. Housed within a magnificent Gothic building, the courts handle many of the nation's most serious civil, libel and appeals cases. The building was the last Gothic revival building to be built in London and was designed by G E Street, it is thought that the strain of building such an enormous project led to Streets untimely death. Queen Victoria officially opened the Royal Courts of Justice in 1882. Consisting of more than three miles of corridors and containing more than one thousand rooms- the architectural scale of the courts is breathtaking, the interior of the building every bit as lavish and impressive as the exterior. The public are permitted to view, unsupervised, all 88 court rooms- though Judges have been known to reprimand those who would interrupt proceedings. As well as marvelling at the features and scale of the building, visitors are invited to view an exhibition on the traditional court attire. The ornate Central Hall informs visitors of the cases currently being heard and their progress. The Royal Courts of Justice are easily accessed from Charing Cross Underground Station and admittance is free of charge.

Royal Courts of Justice Picture Gallery

Royal Courts of Justice Picture

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Victorian remains in London picture

Victorian remains in London

London's chock-full of them

It boasts a glorious façade of neo-gothic design, but its building was not without its perils. Architect George Edmund Street died before it opened, largely because of overwork and stress, feeling extremely pressurised by the royal commission from Queen Victoria. It's home to the High Court and the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, it's open to the public, and visitors can also attend trials.

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Attending court picture

Attending court

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