Delving into the history of the production and display of armorial panels at the Inn, as well as exploring the preservation and conservation work undertaken in the present day to ensure the survival of this unique collection.
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Uncovering the history of the Hardwicke Society, a subsidiary membership organisation of the Inns of Court marked by its distinguished membership, vibrant debating culture and robust library of advocacy.
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.
Although we know that the Inn had a small library prior to 1540, an early account about the Inns of Court states that Middle Temple ‘had a simple library in which were not many bookes besides the law and that library by meanes that it stood always open, and that the learners had not each a key unto it, it was at last robbed of all the bookes in it’!
Background
The Inn is launching an Oral History Project, led by the Archive Department, with the particular objective of gathering stories from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups, in order to ensure that these stories are heard, recorded, and passed on as part of the Inn's history. The first phase of the project will focus on collecting histories from members who identify as LGBTQ+.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from members of the Inn who identify as LGBTQ+ and who would like to take part in this project. Those selected will participate in a private, one- to two-hour audio-recorded interview with a trained member of the Archive department, during which you will have the opportunity to share your stories and reflect on your experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community both in the legal profession and at the Inn. The interview will be conducted in a flexible and open-ended manner, and you will be free to discuss and focus on the subjects and issues which are most important to you.
We are looking in the first instance to interview up to 10 members of the Inn, with the potential for a second round of interviews subject to interest.
If you would like to be considered to participate in this project, please send a paragraph telling us a little about yourself and your story, and why you would like to participate, to oralhistory@middletemple.org.
Introduction
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.
Revels is a comedy sketch and song show performed by members of the Inn in Middle Temple Hall during Christmas time, comprised of original material and accompanied by a live band.
Revels has a long history going back at least 400 years. It has changed shape over time, but it has always retained the tradition of being a little rebellious.
Listen to the Revels 2020 podcast show. Watch some of the past songs and sketches we have created HERE
Exploring the role food has played throughout the Inn's history, from eighteenth century disputes over venison pasties to the Grand Day dinners of today.