Lawyers' London: Courts of Justice & Inns of Court Walking Tour
Description
You will hear how this small area of London almost by accident fostered the development of the English Common Law which spread around the world to the United States, India, Pakistan, Africa, Australia, and many more countries and was the originator of the world's system of common law. People who changed the world worked, lived, entertained, and were educated in the Inns of Court, including: *Eight of the signatories to the American Declaration of Independence *Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan who owned over 200 bespoke (made-to-measure) suits and, as a barrister in London, was said to never wear the same silk tie twice. * Mahatma Gandhi who had to promise his mother that he would abstain from meat, alcohol, and women before he could enrol in Inner Temple. * Sir William Blackstone who influenced commercial and criminal law in the United States and British Commonwealth and said: “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
Tour Options
Itinerary
Built in 1573 and said to be "the most perfect" example of an Elizabethan building remaining in Central London. So much of English history revolves around this building.
We will stop outside Inner Temple Hall. Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 1 suggests that the War of the Roses originated with the picking of red and white roses in Temple Gardens. The garden is usually open to the public during the week in the afternoon.
Built in 1162 by the Knights Templar, in fiction it featured in Dan Brown's book and film, the Da Vinci Code, and in fact in the Magna Carta negotiations, when King John used the Temple as one of his two bases in London. Temple Church will usually be open after the morning tour - admission is £5.00.
Opened in 1882 by Queen Victoria, the building was originally designed to house 19 courts and now there are around a hundred. We will go inside the building.
This Inn produced eleven prime ministers. The Old Hall was built around 1490 and was sometimes used as a Court of Chancery.
Is a former Inn of Chancery. The front was erected in 1586 and is the finest example of a Tudor timber framed building in Central London.
The hall was built in 1560 and reconstructed after bomb damage with a substantial contribution from the American Bar Association. In the square there is a statue to the Inn's most prominent former member. Hear his story and decide whether there should have been a statue to him.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(39)
Very informative chance to learn about the British legal system and culture of the courts, as well as the history and famous people associated with the system.
This was the very best experience. Our guide was very engaging and our whole 3 + hours was packed with the history of the area as well as very interesting information on the legal system in the UK and abroad. His very personal experiences of training and working as a barrister added extra dimensions to the tour. An absolute must for anybody!
Our guide was highly knowledgeable, informative and delightful company. We had a wonderful afternoon despite the oppressive heat!
Our guide, Keith, was punctual, accessible and totally professional. Prior to embarking on this guided walk, I am ashamed to say I knew little about important aspects of the English legal system. This tour was an excellent and entertaining introduction to the development of that system. I particularly valued the opportunity to sit in on a case in the Royal Courts of Justice. Very worthwhile!
Very thorough. Keith has a solid understanding of the law’s history and its evolution and the institutions that compose it. And he conveyed it well.
Very interesting and recommended. Our guide Erick is a retired lawyer who worked in the area and knows it wonderfully. He is always willing to answer questions thoroughly, and since there were only three of us, it allowed for a very pleasant and informative experience. We entered to witness a trial, which was very unexpected.
The tour leader was extremely well informed. He was pleasant and shared interesting facts and "behind the scenes" information about the tour topic. He clearly cared about our group and readily answered all of our questions. the three hours flew by; I would highly recommend the tour.
Great experience. Our guide, Keith, was so knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great time, thank you.
Absolutely fascinating tour of a part of London I didn’t know. Beautiful architecture, peaceful squares and some nice eateries and pubs. It was interesting learning the history behind the Inns of Court and getting into the High Court itself. I will definitely revisit.
I went with two friends on this tour, the walking was easy but we covered a lot of ground in terms of seeing things I never knew existed. The guide (who was formerly in the legal profession) was knowledgeable and came up with some interesting anecdotes, I liked the fact he highlighted the eateries in the Inns of Court open to the public. I felt in parts we were transported back in time and could not believe some of the gardens etc. which provided an escape from the hustle and bustle of London. In summary, plenty of detail and intrigue as well as an escape from a busy city - this tour was time very well spent.
