Delving into the history and archive of New Inn, one the now dissolved Inns of Chancery that acted as preparatory schools for the Inns of Court.
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Taking a closer look at the Temple Church silver, in the context of the religious and political conflicts of the seventeenth century.
Investigating the recordkeeping practises of earlier generations at the Inn and the how documents gradually moved from the Treasury to their final home in the Archive Repository.
Tracing the relationship between the Inn and London's great river over the centuries, from daring Elizabethan escapades to seasick Admiralty barristers in the 1930s, via seventeenth century Frost Fairs and the 'Great Stink' of 1858.
Exploring the complicated and challenging environment faced by Roman Catholics at the Middle Temple over the centuries, from state surveillance to emancipation, via the building of Hall, the Gordon Riots and a mysterious stained glass pomegranate.
Looking at the rich history of the Inn's silver collection, from the earliest evidence of silver plate in 1503 to 21st century acquisitions and donations.
Various published sources are available on the Middle Temple, its members, and legal history and the Inns of Court in general, which may assist researchers prior to making an appointment to view archival material. They should be accessible in libraries and some have been digitised and are available on this website.
History of the Middle Temple, edited by Richard O. Havery. Hart Publishing, 2011.
Shining a light on past methods of illumination at the Inn, reliance on natural light and dim, smoky candles giving way to oil and gas, and finally to the bright electric lighting of the present.
The 2020 edition focuses on some of the biggest issues that we have faced over the 12 months, not just at the Inn, but across society. Read more:
Telling the story of the foundling children abandoned at the Inn and taken into its care, looking at who they were, where they came from and how the Inn provided for their health, education and future.