Bloody Code: Reflecting on a Decade of the Old Bailey Online and the Digital Futures of Our Criminal Past

Abstract

The Old Bailey Online was conceived at the turn of the millennium and has been online since 2003. In this article, I reflect on its evolution and its impact on crime history and digital history, and I explore some key themes and challenges for the next decade: improving digital and online access to archival crime records; funding and sustaining digital resources; and building skills to make the best use of these resources. I emphasise the importance of sharing and re-using digital content, and of building partnerships within and beyond the academy, with public and commercial institutions, and with the huge non-academic audience which has been a key factor in the success of the Old Bailey Online.