London Walkabout with Dick
P
assing through Hatton Garden, a brief look at
Gray`s Inn followed before we headed towards the Cittie of Yorke for an enjoyable lunch and a welcome sit down.
T
he highlight of the day was the afternoon visit to Lin-
coln`s Inn, where our guide enthralled us for the next one
and a half hours with her knowledge and enthusiasm. The oldest of the four Inns of Court has records dating back to 1422 although there is evidence that it is older. In those days “Inn” ( or “hospitium”) meant a town house or mansion, the latter being used
as a hostel for students, the lowest of the three ranks of membership of the Inn behind barristers and benchers (Masters of the Bench who form the governing body of the Inn).
T
he climax of our tour was in the Great Hall, which was being
prepared for an evening function as we walked around this magnificent building, erected 1843-45 and opened by Queen Victoria. Each place setting included eight glasses! We were told of a visit, in 1672, by Charles II and other Royals who dined so well in the Old Hall that no bencher was able to rise to propose The Loyal Toast. The King, therefore, granted the Inn, in perpetuity, the privilege of drinking The Loyal Toast sitting down.
Given the number of glasses available, it came as no surprise to hear that the tradition continues to this day!
O
ur visit ended at the Main Gate where we dispersed to go our various ways home, with
sincere thanks to Dick for his expert organisation of a wonderful day.
Story by George - Photos by Colin
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