Designed in the Victorian Gothic Revival style by George Edward Street (1824-81), the courts were completed after his death by his son Arthur E. Street and Sir Arthur Blomfield and were opened by Queen Victoria in 1882.

The largest of the four courts is the Lord Chief Justice’s court.  All have raised seating, a public gallery and a balcony at the rear, and a balcony for the jury. The contracts went to three London firms: Holland Sons, Gillow’s and Collinson and Lock. The woodwork was to be oak (‘the very best Riga’). Street insisted on designing new the movable furniture and Collinson and Lock won the contract to make it.  Street also designed the painted and carved decoration for what was then the Bar room. Furniture for the main block was shared by Collinson and Lock, Holland Sons and Jackson and Graham.

The tour will commence in the Main Hall of the RCJ with the monument to its architect George Edmund Street. We will see the ‘Painted Room’, ‘Bear Garden’ and Costume Gallery.  Attendees will then return to a heritage courtroom whereby a short presentation will be given regarding the ceremonial functions that the RCJ participates in, in conjunction with the City of London. The tour will conclude in the Vaulted Crypt with its Victorian graffiti.

COST: £20

LIMIT: 20

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 5 December 2025

To register for this visit, please contact the Events Secretary events@furniturehistorysociety.org. 

The Great Hall in The Royal Courts of Justice