Inns of Court - Definition and Overview

The Inns of Court, in London, are where barristers train and practice. Several centuries ago the inns of court were any of a fair number of public houses where barristers met to do business ("inn" being perhaps the most common term for a pub/bar in England at the time).

Over the centuries the number of active Inns of Court reduced to four, which are: Lincoln's Inn, Gray's Inn, Inner Temple and Middle Temple. They are located near the western border of the City of London, surrounding the Royal Courts of Justice. Each inn is a substantial complex with a great hall, chapel, libraries, sets of chambers for many hundreds of barristers, and gardens; and covers several hectares. The "chambers" were originally used as residences as well as business premises by many of the barristers, but nowadays, with a small number of exceptions, they serve as offices only.

Middle Temple and Inner Temple are located just to the east of the border of the City of London with the City of Westminster, but are not part of the City of London, being recognised by law as local authorities. The closest tube station is Temple.

Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn are in the London Borough of Camden (formerly in the Borough of Holborn), just by the border with the City of London. They have no such status as local authorities. The nearest tube station is Chancery Lane.