Leo McKern stars as Horace Rumpole, with Peggy Thorpe-Bates as Hilda Rumpole and Peter Bowles as Guthrie Featherstone in the classic ITV legal drama ‘Rumpole of the Bailey‘.
Main cast
- Horace RumpoleLeo McKern1–7Main
- Hilda RumpolePeggy Thorpe-Bates1–7Main
- Guthrie FeatherstonePeter Bowles1–6Main
- Claude Erskine-BrownJulian Curry1–7Main
- Phyllida Erskine-BrownPatricia Hodge2–7Main
- Uncle TomBill Fraser1–2Main
Supporting cast
- Mr. Justice GravesDerek Fowlds1–7Supp
- Diana TrittonMaureen Derbyshire1–7Supp
- HenryJonathan Coy1–7Supp
- Marigold FeatherstoneJoanna Van Gyseghem1–6Supp
Guest & voice
- VariousRichard Briers1Guest
- VariousJudi Dench1Guest
- VariousIan Holm2Guest
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About this cast
‘Rumpole of the Bailey’ is a beloved British television series that aired on ITV from 1978 to 1992, following the cases of the irascible but brilliant barrister Horace Rumpole, played by Leo McKern. The show, created by John Mortimer, is known for its witty writing and memorable characters, including Rumpole’s wife Hilda and his courtroom rival Guthrie Featherstone.
FAQs
Who plays Horace Rumpole in Rumpole of the Bailey?
Leo McKern plays the title character Horace Rumpole.
Who plays Hilda Rumpole in Rumpole of the Bailey?
Peggy Thorpe-Bates plays Hilda Rumpole, Rumpole’s wife.
Who plays Guthrie Featherstone in Rumpole of the Bailey?
Peter Bowles plays Guthrie Featherstone, Rumpole’s colleague and later head of chambers.
How many seasons of Rumpole of the Bailey are there?
There are 7 seasons, airing from 1978 to 1992.
Is Rumpole of the Bailey based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the stories by John Mortimer, who also wrote the television scripts.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026