Middle Temple

Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court which have the exclusive right to Call men and women to the Bar. The buildings and tradition of learning date as far back as the middle of the 14th century. The Inn's name derives from the Knights Templar who were in the possession of the Temple site for some 150 years.

The Call to the Bar means those who have fulfilled the necessary qualifications and vocational training to become a Barrister-at-Law and to practise in the Courts of England and Wales. Many traditions and names in the law profession have survived from the earliest times of the Middle Temple and its sister institutions when it was seen as a university. One of the most famous of these is the Moot. This is a mock trial where students can gain advocacy and legal research skills which are invaluable in preparing for pupillage and beyond.

Sir Francis Drake was a frequent visitor to the Hall at the Middle Temple and although may not have been a member Sir Martin Frobisher and Sir Walter Raleigh were. There is a legend that Queen Elizabeth I presented a Christmas pudding to the Inn and that each year a spoonful is saved from the mixture of the last one and added to the new one.

The Parliament Chamber and Queen’s Room are available for formal dinners, weddings, meetings, receptions, corporate events, garden parties and outdoor functions. The Hall at the Middle Temple was used for plays and pageants; Twelfth Night was first played there in 1602.

The Inn has four overnight lodgings available for hire in 3 Middle Temple Lane, a Grade II Listed Building dating back to 1680. They are all comfortably furnished.

Contact details for the Middle Temple tel: 020 7427 4800, fax: 020 7427 4801, email: [email protected].

View Larger Map

If you would like to view search results for London tours click here.