Inner Temple
The Knights Templar moved their London contingent from Holborn to a new riverside location during the reign of Henry II, stretching from Fleet Street to what is now Essex House. This original Temple covered much of what is today the northern part of Chancery Lane, which the order created to provide access to their buildings. The first group of lawyers arrived in the 13th century as legal advisers rather than as a formal society. When the order was dissolved in 1312, the land passed to the king and later to the Knights Hospitaller. These Hospitallers did not live on the property but used it for revenue through rent. Two groups eventually occupied the land, becoming known as the inner inn and the middle inn by 1388. The Inner Temple leased this land from the Hospitallers for £10 a year while students came from Thavie's Inn to study there.
Wat Tyler and his rebels sacked the Inner Temple during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, pulling down houses and burning records in the high street. John Stow recorded that the rebels took books from the hatches of law apprentices and carried them into the street before setting them ablaze. The destruction was so severe that rebuilding became necessary, with some evidence suggesting the Hall was constructed during this recovery period. A second major disruption occurred when the First English Civil War broke out between 1640 and 1644. Legal education completely suspended itself, and the Inns were nearly shut down for almost four years. Nothing changed to adapt the old system to the new climate of internal war, leading to what historian Holdsworth called a mortal collapse of the institution.
The Inner Templars welcomed Charles II back to London on the 15th of August 1661 with a lavish banquet hosted by Sir Heneage Finch. The King arrived on a barge from Whitehall and walked through the Temple Garden surrounded by fifty servants who brought a feast for the revellers. Four Dukes including the Duke of York attended alongside fourteen Earls and six Lords. During the House of Stuart rule, the Court of Star Chamber enforced religious edicts against Catholicism within the Inn. Benchers were selected specifically because of their Protestant beliefs while popular Catholics were held back from promotion. In 1668 the Lord Mayor attempted to enter the Temple with his sword but was forced to spend the night in chambers after students took his weapon. The King heard the case on the 7th of April 1669 and decided the matter should be determined by law rather than royal privilege.
Attacks on the 19th of September and the 26th of September 1940 destroyed the Library clocktower and the Hall respectively during World War II. A series of incendiaries hit the Inn on 10, the 11th of May 1941, destroying the inside of Temple Church, the Hall, the Library, and many sets of barristers' chambers. Fires continued to burn for another day despite assistance from the Fire Brigade and several barristers. Plans began in 1944 when the Temple contacted the War Damage Commission to provide £1.5 million to cover the damage. £1.4 million was provided with the rest found elsewhere. Hubert Worthington was initially chosen as architect but was replaced due to slow progress. Parts of King's Bench Walk finished in 1949, and the final building, the Library, opened on the 21st of April 1958.
The Inner Temple is governed by a Parliament made up of elected Benchers who oversee estates, finances, and internal policy. The Treasurer leads this council and serves a one-year term, with Sir Robert Francis KC holding that role in 2023. Members were historically divided into Clerks admitted to Clerks' Commons and Fellows admitted to Fellows' Commons. In 1508 Parliament operated with three Governors and four senior barristers before the last Governor was elected in 1566. Today there are approximately 350 Governing Benchers plus honorary and academic members appointed to serve. The Reader traditionally holds the position for a year before becoming Treasurer, with Richard Salter KC serving as Reader in 2023. This structure allows the Inn to function as an independent local authority within the City of London boundaries.
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru studied law at the Inner Temple before leading India and Pakistan respectively. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaqat Ali Khan was called to Bar in 1922 by English law professors. British Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and George Grenville both held membership alongside the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as the fifth President of India while S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike became the fourth Prime Minister of Ceylon. Siddhartha Shankar Ray led West Bengal and Pt Ram Chandra Kukreti was one of the first barristers of Dehradun. Writer Bertram Fletcher Robinson, poet Arthur Brooke, and economist John Maynard Keynes also counted themselves among the members. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan remains a current member of this distinguished society.
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Common questions
When did the Knights Templar move their London contingent to the Inner Temple location?
The Knights Templar moved their London contingent from Holborn to a new riverside location during the reign of Henry II. This original Temple covered much of what is today the northern part of Chancery Lane.
What happened to the Inner Temple during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381?
Wat Tyler and his rebels sacked the Inner Temple during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, pulling down houses and burning records in the high street. John Stow recorded that the rebels took books from the hatches of law apprentices and carried them into the street before setting them ablaze.
How was the Inner Temple affected by World War II attacks on the 19th of September 1940?
Attacks on the 19th of September and the 26th of September 1940 destroyed the Library clocktower and the Hall respectively during World War II. A series of incendiaries hit the Inn on 10, the 11th of May 1941, destroying the inside of Temple Church, the Hall, the Library, and many sets of barristers' chambers.
Who governs the Inner Temple and how long does a Treasurer serve?
The Inner Temple is governed by a Parliament made up of elected Benchers who oversee estates, finances, and internal policy. The Treasurer leads this council and serves a one-year term, with Sir Robert Francis KC holding that role in 2023.
Which famous leaders studied law at the Inner Temple before leading their nations?
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru studied law at the Inner Temple before leading India and Pakistan respectively. British Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and George Grenville both held membership alongside the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman.