Listen free for 30 days
-
Rumpole of the Bailey
- Narrated by: Robert Hardy
- Series: Rumpole of the Bailey, Book 1
- Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £15.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Trials of Rumpole
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Bill Wallis
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The irrepressible, audacious defence barrister Horace Rumpole whose court scenes are proverbial, and whose home is ruled by Mrs Rumpole, is back in these short stories by John Mortimer. The much loved stories were adapted from his scripts for the hugely popular TV series of the same name.
-
-
A very enjoyable read
- By Flint on 07-12-14
-
William Again
- By: Richmal Crompton
- Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fourteen adventures featuring the incorrigible William, read by Martin Jarvis. Martin Jarvis has made the voices of William and his gang of outlaws his own in these marvellous readings. Roar with laughter as the lovable rogue wreaks havoc in this ever-popular series of stories.
-
-
Just William - my favourite talking books
- By s j bioletti on 23-10-16
-
Rumpole: The Teenage Werewolf & Other Stories
- Four BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Timothy West, full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in this collection of cracking court cases, including Rumpole and the Teenage Werewolf, Rumpole and the Right to Privacy, Truth Makes All Things Plain, and The Past Catches Up with Us All....
-
-
love this!
- By Sanna on 05-02-20
-
Monsignor Quixote
- By: Graham Greene
- Narrated by: Cyril Cusack
- Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Promoted to the rank of Monsignor, Quixote and his friend Sancho, the ex-mayor of El Toboso and an avid Communist, set off on their travels in the rusty old car the call Rocinante. Together, they roam through modern-day Spain in a brilliant picaresque fable that, like Cervantes' classic, offers enduring insights into our life and times. Cyril Cusack reads Grahame Greene’s moving, hilarious novel about a Catholic priest and his friend, a Marxist mayor.
-
-
Not one for misophonia sufferers
- By EEL on 12-11-19
-
The Silver Pigs
- Marcus Didius Falco, Book 1
- By: Lindsey Davis
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One fine day, A.D. 70, Sosia Camillina quite literally runs into Marcus Didius Falco on the steps of the Forum. It seems Sosia is on the run from a couple of street toughs, and after a quick and dirty rescue, P.I. Falco wants to know why.
-
-
Murder, Mystery and Mayhem in First Century Rome!
- By Broadland Wanderer on 25-09-08
-
Rumpole
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Margot Boyd, Maurice Denham
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maurice Denham stars as John Mortimer's famous comic creation Rumpole of the Bailey. Defender of the underdog, friend of South London villains and scourge of QCs, much-loved barrister Horace Rumpole was first brought to life on television, and in 1980 BBC Radio 4 introduced him to the airwaves for a 13-episode series.
-
-
Maurice Denham is marvellous as Rumpole
- By Nigel on 23-11-17
-
The Trials of Rumpole
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Bill Wallis
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The irrepressible, audacious defence barrister Horace Rumpole whose court scenes are proverbial, and whose home is ruled by Mrs Rumpole, is back in these short stories by John Mortimer. The much loved stories were adapted from his scripts for the hugely popular TV series of the same name.
-
-
A very enjoyable read
- By Flint on 07-12-14
-
William Again
- By: Richmal Crompton
- Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fourteen adventures featuring the incorrigible William, read by Martin Jarvis. Martin Jarvis has made the voices of William and his gang of outlaws his own in these marvellous readings. Roar with laughter as the lovable rogue wreaks havoc in this ever-popular series of stories.
-
-
Just William - my favourite talking books
- By s j bioletti on 23-10-16
-
Rumpole: The Teenage Werewolf & Other Stories
- Four BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Timothy West, full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in this collection of cracking court cases, including Rumpole and the Teenage Werewolf, Rumpole and the Right to Privacy, Truth Makes All Things Plain, and The Past Catches Up with Us All....
-
-
love this!
- By Sanna on 05-02-20
-
Monsignor Quixote
- By: Graham Greene
- Narrated by: Cyril Cusack
- Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Promoted to the rank of Monsignor, Quixote and his friend Sancho, the ex-mayor of El Toboso and an avid Communist, set off on their travels in the rusty old car the call Rocinante. Together, they roam through modern-day Spain in a brilliant picaresque fable that, like Cervantes' classic, offers enduring insights into our life and times. Cyril Cusack reads Grahame Greene’s moving, hilarious novel about a Catholic priest and his friend, a Marxist mayor.
-
-
Not one for misophonia sufferers
- By EEL on 12-11-19
-
The Silver Pigs
- Marcus Didius Falco, Book 1
- By: Lindsey Davis
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One fine day, A.D. 70, Sosia Camillina quite literally runs into Marcus Didius Falco on the steps of the Forum. It seems Sosia is on the run from a couple of street toughs, and after a quick and dirty rescue, P.I. Falco wants to know why.
-
-
Murder, Mystery and Mayhem in First Century Rome!
- By Broadland Wanderer on 25-09-08
-
Rumpole
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Margot Boyd, Maurice Denham
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maurice Denham stars as John Mortimer's famous comic creation Rumpole of the Bailey. Defender of the underdog, friend of South London villains and scourge of QCs, much-loved barrister Horace Rumpole was first brought to life on television, and in 1980 BBC Radio 4 introduced him to the airwaves for a 13-episode series.
-
-
Maurice Denham is marvellous as Rumpole
- By Nigel on 23-11-17
-
Rumpole: The Gentle Art of Blackmail & Other Stories
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, full cast, Timothy West
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young Horace Rumpole in this second stellar collection of court cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole. 'Rumpole and the Man of God': It is 1959, and Rumpole must defend a clergyman accused of shoplifting who, although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross-examined under oath. Meanwhile, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) has big news....
-
-
Better than Excellent!
- By iThink2022 on 08-01-19
-
Rumpole: The Sleeping Partners & Other Stories
- Three BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jasmine Hyde, Timothy West, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, feisty, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this collection of cracking cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole.
-
-
Brilliant Rumpole
- By Highlight on 21-07-18
-
Rumpole: The Age of Miracles & Other Stories
- Three BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, full cast, Jasmine Hyde, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays Horace Rumpole in this fourth collection of dramatic court cases. 'Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation': Erskine-Brown is working on a sordid ABH and affray case which allegedly occurred in a Soho night club. When he and Rumpole visit the disreputable scene of the crime, they meet Maurice Machin, the editor of the Daily Beacon, whose paper is being sued for libel.
-
-
Sherlock is not Rumpole
- By GB on 04-12-18
-
Rumpole: The Penge Bungalow Murders and Other Stories
- Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, Timothy West, full cast, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, feisty, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this collection of cracking cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole. Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders: It is the '50s, and two war heroes have been shot dead. Defending the suspect is deemed hopeless, so the case is handed to a novice. But the novice's superiors didn't count on the tenacity and wit of the young and hungry Horace Rumpole.
-
-
Don’t start with this Rumpole - 5*
- By Nigel on 04-01-18
-
Rumpole: The Golden Thread & Other Stories
- Three BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: full cast, Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three thrilling full-cast dramas starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as the irrepressible Horace Rumpole. For 15 years, Rumpole has fought, won and occasionally lost myriad cases - and fallen in and out of love with both wife Hilda and ‘the Portia of our Chambers’, Phillida Erskine-Brown. These three episodes leave us guessing until the very end - will Rumpole finally leave ‘She Who Must be Obeyed’ for Phillida?
-
-
TOTALLY ENJOYABLE
- By 09carriage on 11-07-19
-
Rumpole: On Trial & Going for Silk
- Two BBC Radio 4 dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Timothy West, full cast, Prunella Scales
- Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in these two thrilling dramas featuring the wily magician of the Old Bailey at his implacable best. Rumpole takes up the cause of young Bertie Timson, whose sole ‘crime’ seems to be playing football in the street. As he endeavours to defend our ancient freedoms, he becomes uneasy about exactly what his wife Hilda is up to in her continuing friendship with a high court judge.
-
-
Timothy West is perfect in this role
- By Phillip Burton on 06-06-21
-
Under the Hammer
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Bill Wallis
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maggie Perowne is head of Old Masters at Klinsky's auction house in London. Ben Glazier is an art expert. Ben, not as young as he was, is inescapably in love with Maggie, but she has an unfortunate taste for such dubious men as the Hooray Henry in the wine department. Together Ben and Maggie form a crack team that blends integrity and professionalism with a keen eye for uncovering the mysterious circumstances surrounding priceless works of art.
-
-
a crime in each chapter.
- By Mrs. K. I. Richards on 20-11-15
-
Rumpole: The Primrose Path & Other Stories
- Four BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations Starring Timothy West
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Sam Ballard, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 54 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in this collection of cracking court cases. The stories included are: Rumpole and the Primrose Path, Rumpole and the Scales of Justice, Rumpole and the Vanishing Juror, Rumpole Redeemed.
-
-
Relaxing and enjoyable
- By R.Beech on 08-06-21
-
Titmuss Regained
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Paul Shelley
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On England's green and pleasant land there are dark rumblings of concrete mixers, bulldozers and planning committees, local and ministerial. In Rapstone Manor, Lady Grace Fanner is dying, defiant to the last. Awaiting the event is the Right Honourable Leslie Titmuss MP, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Ecological Affairs and Planning (HEAP).
-
-
Recommended
- By Nicola on 30-11-21
-
Against the Tide
- By: Elizabeth Camden
- Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself - a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy. However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane", a man who equally attracts and aggravates her.
-
The Captain and the Enemy
- By: Graham Greene
- Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh
- Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Victor was only 12 when the Captain took him away from school to live with Liza, his girlfriend. He claimed that Victor, now reborn as Jim Smith, had been won as the result of a bet. Having reached his 20s, Jim attempts to piece together the story.
-
-
Great mini-novel, not common these days
- By Hasnat Safder on 26-06-21
-
A Ship of the Line
- By: C. S. Forester
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Her Majesty's ship Sutherland is a humdrum ship of the line. But in command is none other than the heroic Captain Hornblower and, with his crew from the Lydia, he looks set to take on commando raids, hurricanes at sea, and Napoleons's gun batteries.
-
-
Cliffhanger Alert
- By Donn Edwards on 21-07-14
Summary
In these witty and comic stories, Horace Rumpole takes on a variety of clients and activities. He, of course, brings each case to a successful end, all the while quoting poetry and drinking claret.
More from the same
What listeners say about Rumpole of the Bailey
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DRACOS
- 29-12-18
pure nostalgia for me
Thoroughly enjoyed this - I was a great fan of the books and the tv show when younger and to shut my eyes and listen to stories that made me smile then and still do today has been a pleasure. Robert Hardy is an excellent substitute for Leo Mckern
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- suet
- 13-11-18
What a Joy
John Mortimore's humour shines through these tales. Great to curl up for a cold afternoon!
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Miss Tzusti
- 28-11-18
Funny
I was sad for the audiobooks to end, the reader made Rumpole really stand out and come alive. I felt like I lost a friend when the book ended and I couldn't look forward to my nightly listen anymore.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Carol L
- 18-11-18
Truly Rumpole
Having very much enjoyed the Rumpole series I wondered if this would live up to that.
The performance (it is a performance not merely a reading) by Robert Hardy is first rate. It is like listening to a dramatization rather than an audio book.
Superbly entertaining.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrew Dalby
- 23-05-19
as relevant now as it was in the 1970s
The proof of a good book is how well it lasts the test of time. Rumpole is as relevant now as it was in the 1970s with the questions of justice, class, drug legalisation, and police corruption. Even the political landscape it the same and populated by the same sorts of people. Robert Hardy's story telling is perfect. he is as much Rumpole as Leo McKern.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Yorkie
- 02-08-16
A Fun Listen
I enjoyed these stories very much. They're funny, heart warming and slightly politically incorrect. It would been a straight 5 stars, but I just dropped one on the overall rating, because the volume varied a bit, so it wasn't quite as easy to listen to while driving as some audiobooks. That's a very minor point though on what was otherwise a very enjoyable listen.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rose Deschampsneufs
- 06-05-15
Superb, witty rendition of an exceptional book
Where does Rumpole of the Bailey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Right up near the top
What did you like best about this story?
The characters are so real
What does Robert Hardy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Interpretation and wit. He is an exceptional actor with a divine voice.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I loved it all.
Any additional comments?
Buy it!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs H.
- 30-01-22
Brilliant
Engaging stories perfectly narrated by Robert Hardy. He paces and characterises everything absolutely beautifully. Highly recommended.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- B
- 01-01-19
Superb
I can’t find any higher praise for this collection of legal adventures that would top that which has already been expressed by the countless Mortimer fans.
However “If Your Lordship pleases” may I say that the choice of Robert Hardy as narrator was indeed inspired. Superb.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 16-10-18
Brilliant!!!
Loved every moment of this book, the story line is very entertaining and Robert Hardy's performance is wonderfully rich. Have been laughing out loud on the train home from with my ear phones on.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ian C Robertson
- 27-04-13
Wordsworth in a Wig
My time at law school was punctuated most Sunday nights by another installment in the life of this less than glamorous, ever so cynical and brilliant Old Bailey "hack". I recall him being disparaged by many of my lecturers, many of whom had never steeped foot in a Courtroom save for the day they were Admitted. I laughed then as I laughed these last two days listening to the lovable old rogue weave his magic over juries and judges alike. Now a full quarter century later I can only marvel at the accuracy of the atmosphere Mortimer captures between the covers of these wonderfully entertaining books. I should not be suprised given Mortimer's pedigree (he was a Queer Customer after all, and it wasn't one gifted from the bottom of a Corn flakes packet). This was a perfect antidote for being banged up sick for two weeks. It filled the emptiness of being out of a Courtroom where I have spent half my life. I enjoyed it all over again, as I am sure that any person who has grown up in the common law system will, too. If you're in the US, then some of the niceties might strike you as odd. I confess that some of them strike me as odd, and I have practiced in a British-like system for nearly my whole life. Persevere with it, please. It is worth the effort.
Robert Hardy is an accomplished actor. He brought to the re-telling all that can be expected. There were occasions when I thought he was Hilda (SWMBO)! Of course he cannot truly be Rumpole because there was but one of him (Leo McKern), but he is a very suitable Junior indeed. It's hard to recall when a book made me smile and laugh out loud on such a regular basis. I recommend it to all, but particularly if you have a familiarity with the law (either side of it).
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Joe
- 29-12-10
Alone and without a leader
This is the original and best Rumpole by the late Sir John Mortimer QC an eminent member of the English bar himself. Reading this book again brings back nostalgic memories of the fabulous TV series of the same name featuring the late and great Australian actor, Leo McKern. Between them Mortimer and McKern captured the essence of the real practice of the law - cut and thrust, talent, innovation, cynicism, mateship, an understanding of the underlying jurisprudential principle of the rule of law and above all fun. Rumpole provides the complete answer to the question every lawyer fields many times during his/her working life "How can you represent a client who you know is guilty?" Wonderful and hugely entertaining.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Tudza
- 17-06-10
Wonderful material with a good reader
I am enjoying this book immensely. The stories are interesting and the reader seems to have a great feel for the material and the character of Rumpole.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- l howard
- 28-04-17
Always Rumpole
Would you listen to Rumpole of the Bailey [AudioGo] again? Why?
I would listen to the book again because it shows how far society for the good changed in the last 30 years. The characters and thinking back then when the book was written is interesting at the least.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Rumpole because of his approach to most situation.
Which scene was your favorite?
The trail case in which the feud between two families were exposed.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The woman talking on the stand about being a victim.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- marc
- 28-05-13
If you like law with a touch of england
If you could sum up Rumpole of the Bailey [AudioGo] in three words, what would they be?
This is what it should be. Learn of 'she who must be obeyed' Discover Pomeroy's best claret and the inhabitants of the old bailey. Love it or hate it but check it out!
What did you like best about this story?
it's a classic
Any additional comments?
you will love it or hate it, no half measures with Rumpole
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- PAUL
- 30-11-12
old bailey for new listener
What did you love best about Rumpole of the Bailey [AudioGo]?
i like the easy access and portability of this product on my itouch
Who was your favorite character and why?
rumpole, the main man
What three words best describe Robert Hardy’s voice?
old school victorian
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
no
Any additional comments?
thanks for providing the service
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- mr kieran j murphy
- 07-04-18
a great read
I remember watching Rumpole on TV as a child and these stories read just like the show. I can picture Leo Mckern as the book is read - a great treat