Beneath your feet lie centuries of legal history. Welcome to Gray’s Inn. This is one of London’s four Inns of Court. These historic societies train barristers in England and Wales. Gray’s Inn has a rich past. It originates from the late 13th century. People came to study law under Reginald de Grey of Wilton. His manor house became the society’s first hostel.
The precise founding date remains unknown. By the 16th century, Gray’s Inn was well established. Notable members included William Cecil and Francis Walsingham. Gray’s Inn takes its name from the first Baron de Grey. His family owned the townhouse. The Inn is owned by its members. It includes a hall, library and gardens. There are also commercial and residential lettings.
Let’s talk about the gardens. The beautiful gardens are known as the Walks. Francis Bacon, Lord Chancellor of England, designed them in 1608. They remain one of London’s largest private gardens. Imagine Bacon pacing these very paths. He shaped not only the landscape but also legal thought.
Gray’s Inn prospered during the 16th century. Law student admissions quadrupled. This era is remembered as the Golden Age. Queen Elizabeth I served as the Inn’s Patron Lady. She supported and encouraged its growth.
In 1588, the Armada Screen was placed in the hall’s west end. It is believed to be made of wood salvaged from a Spanish galleon. Queen Elizabeth herself gifted it. This screen witnessed countless legal arguments. It stood as a symbol of England’s strength.
Did you know Shakespeare performed here? His first public performance of “A Comedy of Errors” was held in this hall. Imagine the scene. The future bard nervously presenting his work. The audience captivated by his words.
Gray’s Inn faced challenges too. Three disastrous fires damaged the site between 1680 and 1687. The library burned in 1684 destroying ancient records. During the Blitz in 1941, the Inn suffered extensive damage. Fortunately, rare books and the Armada Screen had been removed for safekeeping. Post-war rebuilding took place during the 1950s.
The Gray’s Inn griffin is quite distinctive. It dates from around the 1590s. It replaced the original de Grey coat of arms. The griffin is adapted from the arms of Richard Aungier. He was closely connected to the Inn’s management. Aungier was murdered in his chambers by one of his sons in 1597. A griffin is a legendary creature. It has a lion’s body and an eagle’s head and wings. The heraldic emblem is displayed on a shield. It appears on various parts of the buildings.
Gray’s Inn remains a collegiate association. It provides library, dining, residential and office accommodations. It also has a chapel. The Inn has had a Chaplain since at least 1400. The Gray’s Inn continues to evolve. In 2008, it became the first Inn to appoint fellows. These included businesspeople and legal academics. This gave members a wider perspective.
So as you leave Gray’s Inn remember its long history. Remember the barristers, writers and royals who have walked these halls. They have helped to shape the world as we know it.