Bailey

Bailey (probably derived from the middle Lat. ballium, frequently confused with baillie; 'the jurisdiction of a bailie or bailiff'), the whole space inclosed within the external walls of a castle, with the exception of that covered by the keep. This space was variously disposed of, and, of course, differed greatly in extent. Sometimes it consisted of several courts, which were divided from each other by embattled walls, so as to form a series of fortifications. When these courts were two in number, they were known as the outer and inner bailey. The entrance to the bailey was generally by a drawbridge over the ditch, and through a strong machicolated and embattled gate. It was often of great extent, containing the barracks for the soldiers, lodgings for workmen and artificers, magazines, wells, chapels, and sometimes even a monastery. The word has survived in some proper names, as the Old Bailey, the seat of the Central Criminal Court in London, so called from the ancient bailey or ballium of the city wall between Ludgate and Newgate, within which it was situated. From the supposed license of vituperation supposed to characterise its proceedings, the well-known phrase 'Old Bailey style' has arisen. In Durham, also, the bailey is now a street, with the old name retained. The term is also applied to the outer wall or first line of defence, as well as generally to any of the circuits of walls which surrounded the keep.