The history of the physical library buildings have been extensively documented over the last 400 years, but this month we will be exploring the impact that librarians, porters, students and even thieves have had in the Library’s past.
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Topically, for December’s Archive of the Month, we will look at how winter has played it part in life at the Inn, from frost fairs, the arrival of snow and struggling to heat freezing chambers.
Combining aesthetics with pragmatism, sundials and clocks are a distinct part of the Inn’s historic collections. This edition tracks the presence of these instruments at the Inn and their evolution in time.
The 2023 edition will focus on some of the biggest issues that we have faced over the 12 months, not just at the Inn, but across society. Read more:
Exploring the rich traditions of Christmas revels and courtly masques at the Inn, from sixteenth-century misbehaviour to singing Treasurers in the 1970s.
Investigating the historic role of Steward of the Inn, whose primary duties were the provision of commons and the collection of debts from members for commons – a role that sometimes made him unpopular with the membership.
Exploring, through archival records, the stories of the many barristers, students and members of staff of the Middle Temple who fought or participated in the First World War.
In his Treasurer's Lecture, Professor Sir John Baker will focus on the Elizabethan Middle Temple and the Rule of Law. High among the profession's achievements during the period of the Hall's construction was the establishment of public law as we know it. The familiar landmarks in the history of public law are parliamentary – the Petition of Right 1628, the Habeas Corpus Act 1679 and the Bill of Rights 1689. Important as legislative statements and amplifications, they were predicated on an older common law.
Casting the spotlight back 300 years on an eventful year in Middle Temple history, featuring such challenges as pirates, swindlers, abandoned children and exploding privies.
Meetings of the Middle Temple Historical Society are open to all members, staff, friends of the Inn and their guests who are welcome to attend a meeting before becoming members. We meet four times a year, usually in the Bench apartments for drinks at 6.30pm followed by an informal buffet supper and a talk on an historical topic, usually with a legal theme. Meetings finish at 9.15pm.