Middle Temple
Middle Temple Lane
London
EC4Y 9AT
T: 020 7427 4800
Visitor Information
Open: 10am-11.30am and 3pm-4pm Mon-Fri
Middle Temple Hall
Middle Temple Hall was built in the 1560s-70s and contains one of the finest examples of a double-hammer beam ceiling in the UK. The first performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is recorded as having taken place here in February 1602 and the High Table, which is so large it is thought to have been built within the hall, is said to have been a present from Elizabeth I.
The Inns of Court
In the Middle Ages, the need for trainee lawyers led to the founding of hostels (Inns of Court) where they could live and study. The Inns were like universities where students were provided with accommodation and meals, as well as tuition. Nowadays, the Inns have few residents, most of the accommodation being leased to barristers.
Of the four Inns that remain, only Middle Temple is open to the public on a regular basis. To see the other three, you will need to book a tour (these are rare and often over-subscribed). From the exterior though, each Inn is worth a visit, if only to take time out from the noise and mayhem of the City and relax in the tranquillity of its garden or to explore its network of inter-linking alleyways and courtyards that are often used as settings for period productions for film and television.
The other Inns of Court are:
Gray's Inn
Gray's Inn Road WC1R 5ET
020 7458 7800
Gray's Inn Gardens, known as "the Walks", were laid out by Sir Francis Bacon when he was Treasurer in 1606 – they are open to the public from 12noon-2.30pm daily.
Inner Temple
EC4Y 7HL
020 7797 8250
Private tours of the Inner Temple building and church are offered at £10 per head. They take place on weekday mornings only, must be for a group of at least five (maximum group size is 50) and must be pre-booked by calling 020 7797 8241 (line open 10am-3pm weekdays only).
Lincoln's Inn
Lincoln's Inn Fields WC2A 3TL
020 7405 1393
At least two weeks' notice (preferably more) is required for tours of the Inn with qualified guides. Groups must comprise a minimum of 15 people – individuals and small groups cannot be accepted. The maximum size is 50 people. Tours last between 90 minutes and 2 hours and will include visits to the Old Hall, Great Hall and Chapel with refreshments served afterwards. They start at 10.30am and 2pm. They cost £5 per person (including refreshments) – to book email mailuser@lincolnsinn.org.uk.