Front elevation of 18-22 Great Marlborough Street, Soho. Named after John Churchill, First Duke of Marlborough, it was laid out around 1704. On the left is number 22, with a brass plate and a sign on the first-floor window for A. Wicken; William and Alfred Wicken manufacturers agents. Number 19-21 is Great Marlborough Street Police Station and Marlborough Street Magistrates' Court. Built 1912-13 by J.D. Butler of Portland stone, with three storeys and a basement. A central enclosed porch, roof balustrade with a central pedestal carved with Royal Arms. It is Grade II listed, number 1066742. The magistrate court had many notable trials including in 1963, Christine Keeler for attempting to obstruct the course of justice. In the late 1960s, a number of rock stars, including the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones, stood trial on drugs offences. In 1970 John Lennon and Yoko Ono were tried for obscenity. It is now a hotel. Number 18 was the premises of Erard, manufacturers of pianos and harps. Founded in 1780 in Paris, they commissioned this building in 1892. The steps and door to the left the entrance lead to a first-floor concert hall. The building also contained offices, a showroom and workshops. Pianos continued to be manufactured there until 1931. The company moved to the Charing Cross Road in 1961 and in 1962 the building was demolished.
