Whenever I visit the Inns of Court I like to enter by one of the old gates in Fleet Street – it really is like stepping back in time, from the bustle of the City to the leafy, collegiate atmosphere of the Inns …
This lane leads south from Fleet Street and I read somewhere that Dr Johnson used to enjoy swinging round these supporting pillars when he was in an ebullient mood!
There are two nicely restored sundials nearby. This one in Pump Court reminds lawyers of their mortality …
And in Fountain Court, ‘Learn justice you who are now being instructed‘ …
The TWT refers to the Middle Temple Treasurer in 1684, William Thursby, a successful lawyer and later MP. He spoke of the study of law as ‘a rough and unpleasant study at the first, but honourable and profitable in the end … as pleasant (and safe and sure) as any profession’.
I paused to admire the lovely pair of Mulberry trees, also located in Fountain Court. Taken under an overcast sky, my images were a bit of a disappointment, so these are courtesy of Spitalfields Life …
An added bonus of a visit nowadays is that the Inner Temple Gardens are now open to the public during weekdays from 12:30 until 3:00 pm.
I walked through the pretty gates, above which Pegasus, the Inner Temple emblem, was silhouetted against the sky …
A gentle stroll around the garden produced these images …
A fine spot for a picnic …
I’m sure many people seeing these pictures would not believe that they were taken in the centre of the City …
The area still has an ecclesiastical air about it …
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