Backpackers Guide to London

Lincolns Inn Fields

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Introduction

Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the location of Lincoln’s Inn, the oldest of four Inns of Court located in London. Its records go back to 1422, much earlier than records of Middle Temple (1501), Inner Temple (1505) and Gray’s Inn (1569). It is said that the founding of the Inns came about due to an ordinance Edward I made in the year 1292. Famed architect, Inigo Jones, in the 17th century, partially contributed to the layout of Lincoln Fields.

History

Situated in Holborn, on the border of the City of London and Westminster, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is, by far, London’s largest public square. However, it wasn’t always open to the public. From the time it was established, until the year 1895, when it was acquired by the London County Council, it was only accessible to barristers (now called solicitors), and judges and clerks of court.

Features

Within the square, tourists can visit the Lindsey House. Built in 1640, it is the oldest building in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Another surviving edifice is the Powis House, built for Lord Powis sometime during the 17th century. A fire in 1684 damaged the property but it was restored by Sir Christopher Wren. It was purchased by the Duke of Newcastle in 1705 and subsequent remodeling was done by Sir John Vanbrugh.

Other places of interest in Lincoln’s Inn Fields include Sir John Soane’s Museum, Cancer Research UK, Royal College of Surgeons, HM Land Registry, the home of surgeon William Marsden, and the Great Hall which, together with the other Stone Buildings, were designed by architect Philip Hardwick.

Today, Lincoln’s Inn Fields has tennis and netball courts, and a bandstand for outdoor events.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields should not be confused with the building called Lincoln’s Inn. A perimeter wall and a large gatehouse serve as the boundary between the two famed tourist attractions.

Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677