56. Tour of the Middle Temple, March 30, 2022

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, commonly known simply as Middle Temple, is one of the four Inns of Court exclusively entitled to call their members to the English Bar as barristers. The other are the Inner Temple, Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn. The Middle Temple has been at the heart of the legal system since the sixteenth century. With ancient wooden panels dating from 1597, stunning stained glass and the fine timber roof of Middle Temple Hall, the Middle Temple is a unique piece of London history.

The Consort’s tour for Company Members and friends was guided by ‘Tim’, starting with the Middle Temple Hall, with its magnificent double-hammer beam roof, which was completed in 1573. Generations of royalty have dined on the 29-foot oak High Table – reputedly a gift from Elizabeth I. It is also said that the first-recorded performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night took place in the Hall in 1602. The side rooms contain much of interest, including a room dedicated to the Queen’s late Mother and another with portraits of barristers, including Messrs Jekyll and Hyde.

The tour was outstanding, mostly through the hard work and good humour of Tim, our guide. Thanks also to the venue management for superb lunch in the Hall and to Consort Georgina for organising the event.

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