Hanging offence


Obiter has been pulled up for alleged historical inaccuracy in its report on the closure of Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court (see [2007] Gazette, April, 8). One reader took issue with the note that 'hanging' Judge Jeffrys was part of the court's 'long history' when, as he pointed out, the infamous arbiter died in 1689 while the present Guildhall was not built until 1913.



Obiter is naturally always delighted to receive correspondence, but pleads not guilty to this charge, and submits that the reference was to the long history of the court itself, rather than the actual building.



The first recorded sessions for Middlesex took place in the late 16th century (before the

birth of the aforementioned judicial despot) and were held at the Castle Tavern in Clerkenwell. The land for the present Guildhall was the site of Westminster Market and was purchased

in 1807.



The first Guildhall was opened in 1808 with just two courtrooms. The second was built in 1893 and the third - and present - building was erected, as our correspondent correctly stated, in 1913. It was designed by James Gibson and cost £110,000 - rather cheaper that what is to replace it. Interestingly the courtrooms were used by the governments in exile of Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland during the Second World War to try nationals charged with maritime and military offences.



Obiter trusts that this satisfies readers (in particular Nick Richens of Westminster firm Lee Bolton & Lee).