Inns of Court

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

For the study and practice of the law.


These were four in number, viz.: Inner Temple ; Middle Temple ; Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn.

Possess the sole right of admitting persons to practice as barristers.

So called as being anciently held in the Aula Regis, or Court of the King's Palace.

In 1633 mention is made of "Little Inns of Court" under St. Dunstan's Church (Land P. Chas. I. 1633-4, p. 17).

It is interesting to note that in the 19 H. III. it was ordained that Schools of Law were not to be held in London (Close Roll, 19 H. III. m. 22).

Further historical and topographical details will be found under the respective Inns.

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