Lincoln's Inn: Barristers Paradise in London

Have you ever heard of the song, ‘Wonderful Life’ by HURTS? Then probably you might remember these words: “Driving through the city to the Temple Station, cries into the leather seat”. If you’re looking for something unexpected in the middle of London, then you came to the right place!

I was always wondering what this temple place is all about, so off I went to explore. Oh my, what have I found! Mini Cambridge or Oxford in the middle of Central London right by the river. The places I have passed by so many times, but never went in. It is one of my top favorite places in London now.

But it is so full of history, that I am going to focus on just one place for now.

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of the Court in London to which barristers of England and Wales belong and where they are called to the Bar. The Inns of Court have played a fundamental role in preparing students for call to the Bar and their progress to professional competence as barristers for many centuries.

The Inn is surrounded by a brick wall separating it from the street and consists of 3 squares. It also includes the Old Hall, Library, Chapel, Grate Hall, and Gate House.

Although you can freely walk around, you can’t really go inside to any of these buildings unless you are a part of the monthly organized tour (£5). But you can get inside the Lincoln’s Inn Chapel by attending a Friday lunchtime concert, which happens once a month from October to June (free entrance). You can also attend free Sunday services (every Sunday during the law term at 11.30am).

Details of all concerts may be obtained by contacting: murray.campbell@lincolnsinn.org.uk.

During the 12th and 13th century, the law was taught in the City of London primarily by the clergy. During the 13th century, two events happened, which destroyed this form of legal education: first, a decree by Henry III of England on December 2, 1234 that no institutes of legal education could exist in the City of London. As a result, the system of legal education fell apart. The common lawyers migrated to the hamlet of Holborn, the nearest place to the law courts at Westminster Hall that was outside the city.

Nowadays it is one of the most prestigious law communities in the entire world. Students, barristers, European lawyers, qualified foreign lawyers, legal academics, and many others are eagerly seeking Lincoln’s Inn membership.

But I just come here to breathe in the historic atmosphere, marvel at the amazing architecture, quiz myself at the herbs garden and just chill and watch the lawyers pass by.

Address:
Lincolns Inn, Newman’s Row, City of London, WC2A 3TL

written by neja on 2012-08-24 #places #history #heritage #church #landscape #old #location #architecture #london #barista #society #law #urban-adventures #justice #select-type-of-location #lincoln-s-inn