Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole of the Bailey is the first in a series of legal mystery novels written by British author John Mortimer, QC and the name of the television show based on that series. Horace Rumpole, an aging London barrister who defends clients, is the title character.

Rumpole loves the courtroom. Despite attempts by his friends and family to get him to move on to a more respectable position for his age, he only enjoys the simple pleasure of defending his clients at The Old Bailey, London's criminal court. He often quotes Wordsworth and secretly calls his wife "she who must be obeyed". The stories combine Rumpole's humor with mystery and drama.

The TV show was produced by Thames Television, which aired hour-long episodes from 1978 to 1992. In the TV show, Rumpole is played by the late Leo McKern. Peter Bowles also appeared in the first few episodes of the show as Guthrie Featherstone.