Middle Temple

The Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court around the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The others are Inner Temple, Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn. It is an independent enclave physically within the City of London, but not governed by the Corporation of London. It lies on the border with the City of Westminster.

Related Topics:
Inns of Court - Royal Courts of Justice - London - Inner Temple - Gray's Inn - Lincoln's Inn - Enclave - City of London - Corporation of London - City of Westminster

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The Middle Temple is in the middle of the "Temple" area, which has the Temple Church at its centre. The Temple Chuch is named because it was the former headquarters of the Knights Templar, who occupied the area before they were dissolved. The Temple Church now belongs to the Crown and is the official chapel of the Inner and Middle Temples. Following the separation of canon law and common law in the 13th century, the Inns of Courts originated as hostels and schools for the emerging class of lawyers.

Related Topics:
Temple Church - Knights Templar - Canon law - Common law

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The Inn ceased to be responsible for legal education in 1852, although it continues to provide supplementary training. Most of the complex is made up of barrister's offices, which are known as "chambers". Its other main current activities are maintenance of the library and social functions.

Related Topics:
1852 - Barrister

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