Lincoln's Inn Fields, London

The oldest public square in London, and a hit with locals and tourists alike.

To the south of London's Borough of Camden lies Lincoln's Inn Fields, and what is now an area of grass, open to the public, was once the centre of the teaching of law. Eternally popular with Londoners for lunchtime lounging and summertime sports, Lincoln's Inn Fields does not strike anyone as ancient. However, this is the oldest public square in London; a public space since the 12th century, laid out fully in the 1630s.

The area is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Sir John Soane's Museum, the London School of Economics and Dickens' Old Curiosity Shop. Buildings around Lincoln's Inn Fields have included Powis House, home to the Spanish Embassy between 1764 and 1783, home of solicitors Farrer & Co, whose clients include Queen Elizabeth II, and, more recently, the London School of Economics, in 2003. Lincoln's Inn Fields, named so because of its adjacent location to Lincoln's Inn, used to be surrounded by Oxbridge-style colleges of students studying the practise of law, whose cases can be dated back as far as 1422.

Lincoln's Inn is one of four Inns of Court, who house barristers, students and 'benchers' - a senior member of the Inn of Court who can appoint new members. The other Inns include; Inner Temple, Outer Temple and Gray's Inn. It is within these fours Inns that training barristers are 'called to the bar', a term which indicates that they are allowed to sit forward of the wooden barrier in court and are now qualified to argue on behalf of a party.

Lincoln's Inn is named after Lincoln de Lacy, the third Earl of Lincoln, and was first erected in 1562. Once the most fashionable square in the city, there are now many law firms surrounding the green. A reputation for being popular with duellists continues in the small speakers' corner. At any time of year, the Fields are a hive of city activity. Lincoln's Inn itself consists of three squares; Old Square, Old Buildings and New Square, which consist of four of five floors of 'chambers' - offices of practice. New Square Chambers is still a strong practice today, and specialises in areas such as; Trusts and Estates, Tax and Offshore work.

Photo: © Christine Matthews

Lincoln's Inn Field

Lincoln's Inn Field, London WC2A 3TL

Opening Times

Every day, from 7.30 until dusk.

Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Lincoln's Inn Fields, London

Opening Hours

Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
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