The twentieth century began with the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, and her succession on the throne by her son, King Edward VII, the Middle Temple's Royal Bencher since 1861. He maintained his connection with the Inn, attending events including the Grand Day dinner in 1903.
Search
Exploring the long and winding history of Readers and readings at the Middle Temple, from the dull to the debauched, and looking at the disruptions of the Civil War, the first female Reader and an unexpected royal visit.
The Inn, two decades into the twenty-first century, is a robust institution which looks to the future and respects its past. The conditions laid out by James I in the 1608 charter (confirmed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2008 with a second charter) – to provide education and accommodation for lawyers – remain at the core of the Inn’s mission, and it strives to serve and support its members at all points in their careers.
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.
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
Welcome
Welcome to the Temple Church, the church of Inner and Middle Temple.
We are here to serve the two Inns’ members and staff, and all those who work in this oasis of calm known as The Temple. We are glad to welcome visitors as well, from all over the world, to this beautiful and historic place at the very centre of London. Whether you want to discover one of the city’s loveliest areas, find some peace and quiet, or pray for your own loved ones here and at home, you are welcome.
My colleagues and I look forward to seeing you.
Silk Appointments
Middle Temple is pleased to announce that 27 members of Middle Temple were appointed Kings Counsel on Friday 23 December 2022.
These appointments are made by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, Dominic Raab MP, following consideration by the independent King’s Counsel Selection Panel.
The list of Middle Templars is as follows:
Katherine Apps
Richard Baker
John Brinsmead-Stockham
Paul Buckingham
Adam Cloherty
Neil Davy
Ruth den Besten
Siddharth Dhar
Marcos Dracos
Edward Grieves
James Horne
Maria Karaiskos
Ben Lask
Eleena Misra
Anna Morris
Craig Morrison
Helen Mulholland
Judith Murray
Sheryn Omeri
Fiona Paterson
Edward Peters
Catherine Piercy
David Pliener
Akua Reindorf
Nicola Shannon
Henry F Smith
Nicholas Worsley
Oliver Muncey
Head of Membership
Thursday 5 January 2023
When Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, she was succeeded by her cousin James, King of Scotland, and (excepting the period of the Commonwealth) he and his successors in the house of Stuart would rule England, Scotland and finally the unified Great Britain until 1714. It was under James, in 1608, that the land finally officially entered the Middle and Inner Temples’ hands, when they were conveyed to the two Inns to be held in trust.
The Inn encourages all members in practice, at whatever level, to get involved in pro bono work. It is a very important public service and reminds barristers that they are practising law to help people. Such assistance is sorely needed in areas where Legal Aid is not available, where litigants in person can find the experience of conducting litigation and appearing in a court or Tribunal simply overwhelming.
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.