Middle Temple

Fountain Court London

Middle Temple by Thomas Shepherd c.1830

MiddleTempleLibrary-London-Railton-1892

cmglee London Middle Temple hall

Bloye shield on Fountain Court, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham 3

Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court exclusively entitled to call their members to the English Bar as barristers, the others being the Inner Temple, Gray's Inn, and Lincoln's Inn. Located in the wider Temple area of London, near the River Thames, the Middle Temple and the Inner Temple form part of the historic core where most English legal traditions and practices were developed. The Inn is a professional and social community for barristers and legal practitioners, with a long history dating back to the Knights Templar who originally occupied the site in the 12th century.

History

The origins of Middle Temple, like those of the other Inns of Court, are somewhat obscure, with no definitive founding date. The Middle Temple began to emerge as a distinct entity in the 14th century, although the exact circumstances of its separation from the Inner Temple remain unclear. The Knights Templar, a religious and military order founded in the 12th century, originally owned the land. After the dissolution of the Templars, the property passed to the Knights Hospitaller, and eventually to the Crown in the early 16th century. The Crown then leased the land to the Inns of Court, solidifying their use for legal education and practice.

Throughout its history, Middle Temple has played a significant role in the legal, political, and cultural life of England. It has been the training ground for some of the most prominent figures in British history, including Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake. The Inn's library, one of the three largest legal libraries in the United Kingdom, contains a wealth of historical legal manuscripts and records, contributing significantly to the study and practice of English law.

Architecture

The Middle Temple Hall is among the Inn's most notable architectural features. Completed in the 1570s, it is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture and is still used for dining and ceremonial occasions. The hall's double-hammerbeam roof and stained glass windows, featuring the arms of members of the Inn, are particularly noteworthy. The Middle Temple also includes a range of buildings from various periods, housing chambers for barristers, administrative offices, and the Inn's extensive library.

Education and Training

As an Inn of Court, Middle Temple is responsible for the training, education, and professional development of its members. This includes overseeing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which is required for qualification as a barrister in England and Wales. The Inn also offers scholarships, mentoring, and other forms of support to aspiring barristers, emphasizing the importance of professional ethics, advocacy, and legal knowledge.

Membership

Membership in the Middle Temple is divided into several categories, including students, barristers (both junior and senior), and honorary members. The Inn's governance is overseen by the Masters of the Bench, or "Benchers," who are senior members elected from among the Inn's barristers. The admission to the Bar ceremony, held in the Middle Temple Hall, is a significant milestone for members, marking their transition from students to practicing barristers.

Cultural Contributions

Middle Temple has made notable contributions to English culture, particularly in the realm of literature and the arts. The first recorded performance of William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night took place in the Middle Temple Hall in 1602. The Inn continues to support cultural activities, including music, theater, and literary events, fostering a rich intellectual and social life within the legal community.

Conclusion

Middle Temple stands as a pillar of the English legal system, upholding traditions of legal education, practice, and professional excellence that have evolved over centuries. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and commitment to the rule of law continue to make it a vital institution in the landscape of English jurisprudence.