Under The Wig

Another tradition at the Old Bailey is that the court presided over by the most senior judge displays one of the five great swords of the City of London. If the senior judge adjourns the sword is placed in the court of the next most senior judge. One day early in my judicial career I was sitting later than normal and was the only judge left when to my surprise the court door opened and an attendant sombrely carried in the sword and laid it on the bench. I think the defendant thought I might be proposing a rapid beheading.