Lincoln's Inn

Lincoln’s Inn stands in Holborn, on the edge of the City of London and the City of Westminster. It is one of the four Inns of Court where barristers and judges train and practise in England and Wales. The other three are Middle Temple, Inner Temple and Gray’s Inn. Across the road lie the Royal Courts of Justice and King’s College London’s Maughan Library. The nearest underground station is Holborn. Covering eleven acres, it is the largest of the Inns. The Inn began in the early 13th century when secular lawyers moved out of the City after royal and papal decrees forbade clergy from teaching common law. Records in the black books start in 1422 and show an organised governing council. Henry de Lacy, the third Earl of Lincoln, encouraged the shift to Holborn. By the 15th century the Inn had its own lectures and moots. In 1920 Marjorie Powell became its first female member. Visitors enter a complex of historic buildings and quiet courtyards. The Great Hall dates from the 19th century and hosts readings and dinners. Benchers’ chambers line the main walkways, and the library holds centuries of legal manuscripts. The chapel, rebuilt after the Second World War, contains fine woodwork and stained glass. From the gardens there are views towards the Royal Courts of Justice. The atmosphere remains one of disciplined study and quiet reflection.