The Old Bailey originated as the sessions house of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London and of Middlesex. There are two sheriffs and I had the honour, with Chris Hayward of being the first two-term sheriffs since 1228 AD. As Lord Mayor, I returned to open the first of two sessions during my term. The next will happen in October.

The opening itself is quite fun. The Recorder makes some remarks praising our relationships with a few fun pokes at our pretences. Then one of the senior barristers makes some remarks back. Then I pontificate a bit before thanking all of those who work at the Old Bailey for their hard work. Finally, executing the Lord Mayor’s role as Chief Magistrate of the City of London, I make a judgement. In my case a simple decision on a trial date.