Legal London: The Royal Courts of Justice and Inns of Court
Camden, London
Explore the Inns of Court and the Royal Courts of Justice on a walking tour of London. Learn about the history of the English Common Law and the people who shaped it.
This guided walking tour of Legal London suits history and law enthusiasts exploring key historic legal sites in central London.
Highlights
- Discover the history of English Common Law and its global influence
- Explore the Inns of Court, where influential figures studied and worked
- Visit Temple Church, connected to the Magna Carta negotiations
- See the Royal Courts of Justice, a Gothic Revival architectural landmark
- Learn why lawyers wear wigs and the tradition of dining to qualify
Description
Meet your guide outside Temple Underground Station, in front of the closed Amison Kiosk, to begin a walking tour through London's legal district. This area fostered the development of English Common Law, which impacted countries including the United States, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia.
Discover the lives of notable figures who lived, worked, and studied here, such as seven signatories to the American Declaration of Independence, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Francis Drake, and Sir William Blackstone.
Visit Temple Church, built in 1162 and consecrated in 1185, an important site in negotiations surrounding the Magna Carta. Explore medieval halls that have witnessed centuries of legal history and tradition.
Learn about enduring legal customs, including dining requirements for qualification and historic transport methods used by lawyers traveling to Westminster courts via rowing boats and steam ferries.
See Middle Temple Hall, constructed in 1573 and considered the finest example of Elizabethan architecture in Central London. Understand its significance in English history.
Hear about women’s struggle for acceptance in the legal profession, including Helena Normanton’s unique experience of having to attend 70 dinners at Middle Temple to qualify.
Visit Inner Temple Hall and Gardens, linked to Shakespeare’s depiction of the War of the Roses in Henry VI Part 1, reflecting cultural as well as legal history.
Explore the Royal Courts of Justice, opened by Queen Victoria in 1882, originally designed for 19 courts and now housing around a hundred.
View Lincoln's Inn, birthplace of 15 prime ministers including Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, and Benjamin Disraeli. Its Old Hall, dating from 1490, featured as a courtroom in Charles Dickens’ novel Bleak House.
See a leading example of Tudor timber framed architecture noted by prominent architectural historians.
Learn how Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, performed plays in the Inns of Court, once provoking a riot.
Visit Gray’s Inn, restored with support from the American Bar Association after bomb damage. Hear about its controversial former Lord Chancellor and Charles Dickens’ early office work here.
The tour concludes at Chancery Lane Underground Station.
Includes
- Guided walking tour of Legal London
- Visit Middle Temple Gates
- Outside visit to Middle Temple Hall
- Outside visit to Inner Temple Hall
- Visit Inner Temple Gardens (subject to opening)
- Outside visit to Temple Church (inside visit available after tour for £5)
- Inside visit to the Royal Courts of Justice
- Outside visit to Lincoln’s Inn Old Hall and Chapel
- Outside visit to Staple Inn
- Outside visit to Gray’s Inn
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the meeting point
Important Information
- The tour involves extensive walking; comfortable footwear is advised.
- It takes place mostly outdoors; please dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- This tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, arrive a few minutes early to meet at Temple Underground Station. Check weather forecasts and bring water and suitable clothing.
