middle temple members' guide

MIDDLE TEMPLEMEMBERS’ GUIDE2014/15

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WELCOME

Welcome to this third edition of theMiddle Temple Members’ Guide, whichwe have created to give you an overviewof the services and facilities available toyou as a Member, and to help you makethe very most of what the Inn has to offer.

Whether your interests lie in sponsoringa student, hosting an event in our historicbuildings, dining with us, staying in ourovernight accommodation, joining ourfundraising programmes or one of oursocieties, or just obtaining contact detailsfor our departments, we hope you will findthis Guide useful.

If you are yet to become a Member, douse this Guide to get a sense of what theInn offers you. Details of how to join arejust inside the back page.

And if you are already a Member, we wouldvery much like to hear from you; we activelywelcome your views on this publication andon anything relating to our activities atMiddle Temple. Also, do feel free to get intouch with us, if we can be of any assistance.

Contacts

General EnquiriesThe Treasury OfficeAshley BuildingMiddle Temple LaneLondonEC4Y 9BTT: 020 7427 4800F: 020 7427 4801E: [email protected]: www.middletemple.org.uk

EstatesT: 020 7427 4840E: [email protected]

EventsT: 020 7427 4820E: [email protected]

FinanceT: 020 7427 4800E: [email protected]

LibraryT: 020 7427 4830E: [email protected]

Security (24 hours)T: 020 7797 7768E: [email protected]

Temple ChurchT: 020 7353 8559E: [email protected]

QUEEN ELIZABETH

BUILDING

BLACKSTONE

HOUSEGARDEN COURT THE ASHLEY BUILDING

AND LIBRARY

PLOWDEN

BUILDINGS

FOUNTAIN COURT

FOUNTAIN COURT

MIDDLE TEMPLE HALL

INNER TEMPLE

HALL

CROWN OFFICE ROW

TUDOR STREET GATE

HARCOURT BUILDINGS

MIDDLE TEMPLE GARDEN

MIDDLE TEMPLE

INNER TEMPLE

DEVEREUX CHAMBERS

35 ESSEX ST

NEWCOURT

9 DEVEREUX COURT

ESSEX COURT

1 ESSEX

COURT

PUMP COURT

ELM COURT

CLOISTERS

TEMPLE CHURCH

GOLDSMITH BUILDINGBURNTONBUILDINGS

INNER TEMPLE LANE

3 TEMPLE

GARDENS

5 ESSEX

COURT

4 BRICK

COURT

BRICK COURT CAR PARK

FLEET STREET

MIDDLE TEM

PLE LANE

VICTORIA EMBANKMENT

EMBAN

KMEN

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GATE

MIDDLE TEM

PLE LANE

4A ESSEX COURT

PUMP COURT

HARE COURT

LAMB

BUILDING

CARPMAEL

BUILDING

QEB CAR PARK

1 BRICK

COURT

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2

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1&2 TEMPLE

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TEMPLE PLACE

THE TEMPLE

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Guy PerriconeUnder Treasurer

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Introduction Page

Introducing Middle Temple 5

An Overview of Benefits for Members 7

Specific Benefits and PageToday’s Middle Temple

Events & Dining 11

Your Career 13

Associations 15

Accommodation 19

Scholarship Fund Appeal 22

Hall Committee 23

History, Architecture and Gardens Page

Middle Temple Hall 25

Bench Apartments 26

Middle Temple Gardens 27

Famous People and Treasures 28

The Temple and the Magna Carta 29

Temple Church 30

Joining and Information Page

How to become a Member 32

Useful Information Inside cover

CONTENTS

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One of the four Inns of Court

Middle Temple is one of the four Inns ofCourt in London that serve as theprofessional associations for barristers inEngland and Wales. Several centuriesago, the Inns were buildings or precinctswhere barristers traditionally lodged,trained and carried on their profession. Intime, these have reduced in number tothe present four, the other three Inns ofCourt being: Inner Temple, Lincoln’s Innand Gray’s Inn.

Developing a thriving society

Although Middle Temple is steeped inhistory and tradition, of which we are veryproud, today we are a friendly andforward-looking Inn. With over ten

thousand members in the UK and acrossthe world, we are also an activeworldwide network with much to offerthose who are part of our society.

We constantly seek new avenues throughwhich to interest and engage with ourMembers and to widen opportunities forpublic engagement: from taking part inthe BBC’s Masterchef, to hosting theBelgian International OlympicCommittee, and lending our treasuredMolyneux Globes to the British Museumfor an exhibition.

Members are our raison d’etre

Once a Member, we encourage you tobecome actively involved in the Inn andto make the most of the facilities available

INTRODUCING MIDDLE TEMPLE

What follows is an introduction of two parts: to the Inn itself,and to the benefits of Membership. We trust it will be eye-opening and supportive – and enable you to make the verymost of being a Middle Templar.

INTRODUCTION


We believe that the benefits of being aMember of Middle Temple are rich andvaried. The rest of this Guide explainsand explores these in some depth – asdoes our website. Here we give you abrief overview of what’s available toyou as a Member, directing you towhere you can learn more, andhighlighting some useful details.

Events & Dining

Our Events team puts on a wide array ofevents for Members and their guests toenjoy throughout the year in thesurroundings of our fabulous ElizabethanHall, which is also where lunches anddinners are served. (See page 10.)

To see our calendar of events, please goto: www.middletemple.org.uk/inn-calendar.

As a Member, you are entitled to adiscount on room hire for personal andchambers events at the Inn. For moredetails, contact the Events team on020 7427 4820.

Career Support

The Education and Training we offer ourMembers, at all stages of their careers,varies enormously, from residentialweekends, to Pupils’ courses, to wholeCPD days. We offer essay prizes, mootingcompetitions, and exchange trips tofaraway places such as Canada and India.

To learn more about the support weprovide – to students and more seniorprofessionals – go to page 13.

Associations and Activities

As a Member, you have the opportunityto join any of a wide range of SpecialistBar Associations (or SBAs). There are alsofour ‘Inn Societies’ that give you theopportunity to become more closelyinvolved specifically with our ownactivities at Middle Temple. (See page 15.)

Also, overleaf we outline how you canbecome an Ambassador for the Inn.

OVERVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSto you, whatever your age or seniority,and wherever your career path leads you.Sometimes a gap can grow in the Inn’scontinuing relationship with its members,especially after initial qualification, and asMembers move away from London. Wehope that this Guide – together with ourwebsite – can help to narrow such a gap.By engaging in the life and work of the Inn,you can play your part in ensuring that oursociety has a healthy future for generationsto come. (See pages 15 and 23.)

A focus on diversity and inclusivity

We always look to ensure that under-represented groups are supportedin their professional development. Weinterview every scholarship awardapplicant. This is possible because of thededication of our Members who give theirtime freely, and who contribute to ourScholarship Fund Appeal. (See page 22)

A recent major initiative co-founded in2011 by our first female Treasurer, ProfessorDawn Oliver QC, and our former UnderTreasurer, Catherine Quinn, is the TempleWomen’s Forum – established to supportand inspire women at the Bar and in theJudiciary throughout their careers.

Our founding principles

The Inn’s estate on the banks of the Thameswas provided by Letters Patent to ‘TheHonourable Society of the Middle Temple’in 1608 – on condition that it would alwaysbe used for the joint objectives ofeducating and accommodating thosepractising or training in the Law. Over fourhundred years later, Middle Temple’s corepurposes are still based on these foundingprinciples. Namely:

• The education and training of studentsand barristers (see page 13); and thepromotion of diversity and access to theBar by the provision of financial supportto students and all other means.

• The maintenance of the Inn’s estateand its historic heritage (see page 25);and the provision of professionalaccommodation for barristers andother facilities in support of the Inn’score purposes.

• The achievement of the higheststandards of advocacy in support of thejudiciary and the rule of law; the promotionof the ethos of the Bar; and themaintenance of the highest professionalstandards in the public interest.


An invitation for Ambassadors

Middle Temple is seeking to recruitvolunteer representatives around theworld who are interested in representingthe Inn – either within their chambers orthrough the formation of internationalgroups situated within their homeregions. If you are interested in gettingmore involved or would like moreinformation, contact:[email protected].

Merchandise

The Treasury Office sells a wide variety ofmerchandise, including cufflinks, pens,notebooks, port, wine, accessories, andbooks; these make either great gifts oran ideal treat for any Member. For moredetails, email:[email protected].

Accommodation

We offer Members a wide range ofaccommodation options – whether you arelooking to stay overnight, or for chambersfrom which to practise by day. For moredetails, go to the members’ section of thewebsite or call the Treasury Office on020 7427 4800. (Also, see page 19.)

Facilities, Grounds and Gardens

Middle Temple GardensOur award-winning gardens are open foreveryone to enjoy between the months ofMay and September from 12.00 to 15.00and in the summer months we have aBBQ lunch service (closed August).Members are most welcome to enjoy theGardens at other times of the year bypurchasing a garden gate key from theTreasury Office for £12. (To learn moreabout the Gardens, see page 27 )

Middle Temple LibraryOur Library with its dedicated staff providesaccess to over a quarter of a millionvolumes of legal material. As well ascomputer terminals, WiFi, photocopyingand printing, the Library provides manyquiet areas for study and a dedicated

relaxation area on the Gallery floor. Formore details and for opening hours,during and outside term time, go to:www.middletemple.org.uk/library-and-archive.

Members’ Common RoomIf you are looking for a quiet place to sitand relax, to read or to meet colleagues,you can enjoy the common room facilitiesof the Prince’s Room. This Common Roomis available to Middle Temple Membersand their guests from 9.00am to 12.30pm,and from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday toFriday during term time. Complimentarytea and coffee is available.

Keeping our communityup-to-date

We aim to provide all members of MiddleTemple, wherever they are in the world,with a varied programme ofcommunications, updates, benefits andevents. The Treasury Office is the firstpoint of contact for our members andworks hard to strengthen the relationshipsbetween the Inn and its worldwidenetwork of members. So if, as a Member,your contact details change, please let usknow at [email protected].


From colourful seasonal gatherings toworld-class musical events, our Eventsteam puts on a highly varied calendarof events.

Middle Temple boasts first class in-housecaterers who create stylish, imaginativeand sumptuous cuisine worthy of a 21stcentury Inn of Court. As well as providingour Members with lunches there are alsoover 60 evening events every year.

Private events – venue hire

You can enjoy discounted room hire ratesfor private events, chambers and Bar-related occasions. For more information,contact the Events team on 020 7427 4820or email: [email protected] our dedicated events website:www.middletemplehall.org.uk.

Seasonal events

You are warmly welcome to the seasonalevents we host each year. These include:

• A Burns Night in January.

• A Garden Party in July. Also in thesummer, we offer barbecue lunches inMiddle Temple Gardens, with tables onthe terrace, and a popular Pop-upChampagne Bar in Fountain Court.

• A Carol Service lunch in December,which takes place after a service in themagnificent Temple Church.

• The infamous Christmas “Revels”peformances when Members performsketches from topical news items.

EVENTS AND DINING

Whatever matters most to you – be it socialising and networkingwith fellow Members, developing your career, or arranging aplace at the Inn to stay or to practise – you should find it here.

SPECIFIC BENEFITSAND TODAY’SMIDDLE TEMPLE


We are committed to supporting youthroughout your legal career; the waysin which we do that vary enormously.Here we touch on four aspects of thatsupport, before looking at theAssociations you can join as a Member;by doing so, we believe you stand toenrich both your personal andprofessional life.

The Inn and itsprofessional membership

Call to the Bar should not be seen as theend of your connection with MiddleTemple, but rather as the beginning of alife-long relationship.

There are many ways of getting involvedwith the Inn. From judging moots orjoining committees… to becoming anadvocacy trainer or assisting withscholarship interviews… to providingadvice at a careers fairs or an Open Day…to being on standby to support juniormembers on an ad hoc basis.

Whether you’re interested in helping

other Members or in receiving trainingand career guidance yourself, pleasecontact our Education Department at:[email protected].

Education and Trainingfor Students

For StudentsThe Inn plays a key role in helpingstudents to develop their professionalidentity from the time they are admitted.

• Qualifying sessions provide aninduction into the life and ethos ofthe Bar.

• Residential weekends in CumberlandLodge in Windsor Great Park and inYork give students the opportunity todevelop their advocacy skills and tomeet senior members of the profession.

• Our advocacy programme. We run fivetwo-week courses for pupils (as well astwo shorter versions) every year in theRutledge Suite, on the third floor of theAshley Building.

Annual events

Hall is open to Members for dinner for avariety of evening events throughout theyear. These include:

• Music nights. One-off events at whichmusicians perform after dinner.

• Guest lectures – where a lecture isgiven in Hall by a distinguished guest.

• Circuit Dinner. This event follows CPDDay and enables members to enjoy anevening with colleagues from theCircuits.

• Traditional Dining Nights, which havean educational content, and whichstudent members attend to gainqualifying session points.

• All Inn Dining. Ideal opportunities forstudents and their sponsors to meet.

• Annual Dinner. Organised by the HallCommittee with a guest speaker. AllMembers of the Inn are welcome tothis event as are guests of members.

Buying tickets for events

Please do check the Inn’s website for thecalendar of events. There you can alsosee which events your guests can attend,and get a guide to prices. Alternatively,email: [email protected] buy tickets, you can phone theTreasury Office and pay by card.Alternatively, you can come into theTreasury Office and pay.

Lunch at the Inn

In term time, lunch is served in Hall from12:30 to 14:00, Monday to Friday.Members are encouraged to bring gueststo lunch with them in Hall. And whilethere is no need to book, we do requireadvance notice of larger groups.

There is a fantastic range of dishes onoffer including a carvery, a salad bar, fishand vegetarian options, a daily chef’sspecial as well as a range of desserts andcheese. The dress code is business suit,court dress or smart casual dress (i.e.smart jeans are acceptable, but no shortsor T-shirts please).

YOUR CAREER


Specialist Bar Associations,Bar Societies & Inn Societies

Specialist Bar Associations (SBAs) arededicated to the interests of groups ofbarristers within specific practice areasand geographical regions. SBAs canhelp to promote their members’interests, for example responding toproposals for changes to regulations,and offering support to their membersthrough networking events andmentoring schemes.

Specialist Bar Associations

Administrative Law Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.adminlaw.org.uk

Bar Association for Commerce Financeand Industry:E: [email protected]: www.bacfi.org

Bar Association for Local Governmentand the Public Service:E: [email protected]: www.balgps.org.uk

Bar European GroupE: [email protected]: www.bareuropeangroup.org.uk

Chancery Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.chba.org.uk

Commercial Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.combar.com

Criminal Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.criminalbar.com

Employment Law Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.elba.org.uk

Family Law Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.flba.co.uk

The FDAE: [email protected]: www.fda.org.uk

Ongoing ProfessionalDevelopment

Following Call to the Bar, there arevarious opportunities to undertake CPD inthe course of the year. These include:

• Guest lectures on a wide variety ofsubjects, followed by discussion and areception where guests are able tonetwork.

• Our annual CPD Day which coverstopics of interest to practitioners of allseniority and areas of practice.

• Experienced practitioners can alsoobtain CPD by providing training andlectures.

Sponsorship Scheme

We encourage interaction between juniormembers and more experiencedpractitioners by providing students withsponsors to guide them during theirtraining at Middle Temple and to explainhow the Inn and the Bar work.

Sponsors can provide a key link to theprofession: introducing students to thecustoms of the Bar, and advising onapplications for pupillage, on drafting aCV, or on what to expect in a pupillageinterview. The Inn’s social events,particularly All Inn Dining, are idealopportunities for students and theirsponsors to meet.

To join our Middle Temple sponsorshipprogramme, please contact ourEducation Department at:[email protected].

ASSOCIATIONS


Other Societies

Bar Golfing SocietyE: [email protected]: www.bargolf.org.uk

Bar Lawn Tennis SocietyE: [email protected]

Bar Musical SocietyE: [email protected]: www.barmusicalsociety.com

Bar Yacht ClubE: [email protected]: www.baryachtclub.org.uk

BLAGG (Bar Lesbian and Gay Group)W: www.blagg.org

CEBA (Commonwealth in EnglandBarristers’ Association)E: [email protected]

Inn Societies(Opportunities to get more involved withour Middle Temple community)

Middle Temple Historical Society (MTHS) *E: [email protected]

Middle Temple Students Association(MTSA)E: [email protected]: www.middletemplestudents.com

Middle Temple Young BarristersAssociation (MTYBA) *E: [email protected]

RevelsE: [email protected]

* You can learn more about these two‘Middle Temple’ Inn Societies on thefollowing pages.

Intellectual Property Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.ipba.co.uk

London Common Law and CommercialBar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.lclcba.com

Northern Chancery Bar AssociationE: [email protected] W: www.nchba.co.uk

Northern Circuit CommercialBar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.nccba.org.uk

Parliamentary Bar MessE: [email protected]

Personal Injuries Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.piba.org.uk

Planning and EnvironmentalBar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.peba.org.uk

Professional Negligence BarAssociationE: [email protected]: www.pnba.co.uk

Property Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.propertybar.org.uk

Public Access Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.paba.org.uk

Revenue Bar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.revenue-bar.org

Technology & ConstructionBar AssociationE: [email protected]: www.tecbar.org

Western Chancery and CommercialBar AssociationE: [email protected]


To our Members we are able to offera myriad of accommodation options –whether you are looking to stayovernight, either at the Inn itself or ata nearby hotel, or are looking forchambers from which to practise byday. We also have a number ofresidential flats at the Inn.

AT MIDDLE TEMPLE

Lodgings – a place to stay

Middle Temple has a number of roomsavailable for overnight accommodation.All are comfortably furnished with en-suite facilities, coffee and tea-makingfacilities, hairdryers and digital TV. TheRaleigh and Frobisher suites are self-contained units situated on the first floor,whilst the Sheridan and Buchan Suites onthe second floor are interconnecting andmay be hired together at special rates.Please note that no animals other thanguide dogs are allowed in the Lodgings.For reservations or for more details, go tothe members’ section of the website orcall the Treasury Office on 020 7427 4800.

Chambers – a place to practise

One of the core functions of the Inn is toprovide Chambers from which Barristerscan practise. In total, the Inn currentlyhas approximately 250,000 sq ft ofProfessional Barristers Chambers. Thisis shared between about 40 tenants,ranging from sole practitioners occupyingjust one room of about 100 sq ft to ourlarger sets occupying up to around 25,000sq ft. Inevitably, our tenants’ requirementschange from time to time andProfessional Chambers become availablefor re-letting. For more information,contact: [email protected].

Residential flats

In addition to barristers’ chambers,Middle Temple provides approximately45 residential units. Although the majorityof flats have one or two bedrooms, sizesrange from small bed-sits to large three-bedroom units. Allocation is usually byseniority, but other factors, such as amember’s active contribution to thegovernance or collegiate life of the Inn,

Associations at Middle Temple

Here we focus on two of the InnSocieties that give you the opportunityto deepen your involvement withMiddle Temple. The other two are: theMiddle Temple Students Association(MTSA) and the Revels team. (Both aredetailed on the previous page.)

Young Barristers’ Association(MTYBA)

The Middle Temple Young Barristers’Association has been created by a groupof young barristers to help ease thetransition from Middle Temple student tosuccessful Middle Temple barrister. It hasthree aims: to assist those who have beenCalled but who have yet to obtain that all-important pupillage; to encourage andinform members once they areundergoing pupillage; and to supportyoung (though not necessarily in age)barristers as they start out in theprofession.

To get involved, please email:[email protected].

Middle Temple HistoricalSociety (MTHS)

The Middle Temple Historical Society wasfounded over thirty years ago byenthusiasts who wanted to learn moreabout the history of the Inn, its buildingsand its other treasures.

The Middle Temple Historical Societymeets four times a year between Octoberand April in the Bench Apartments fordrinks, a hot buffet supper and a talk onan historical topic, usually with a legaltheme, given by an eminent speaker.

Membership of the Society is open to allmembers, friends and staff of the Inn andtheir guests. Whether you are looking tojoin, to book tickets for supper or a visit,or simply to learn more, please email:[email protected].

ACCOMMODATION


Apex Temple Court Hotel

Apex Temple Court Hotel is situated justoff Fleet Street in the conservation area ofthe Inner Temple. Enjoying a strong senseof tranquillity that is rare for a City Hotel,this stunning hotel has 184 luxury roomsand suites, offering complimentary Wi-Fithroughout the hotel and complimentarylocal calls for guests.

T: 0845 365 0000 and quote Middle TempleE: [email protected]: www.apexhotels.co.uk

Grange Hotels

Middle Templars can choose from sevenGrange Hotels including the 5* GrangeHolborn Hotel with 200 luxury guestbedrooms, a fully equipped Health andFitness Club with 13m pool, and in-housedining outlets including specialityJapanese restaurant Koto.

T: 0845 450 9900 and quote Middle TempleE: [email protected]: www.grangehotels.com

For other local hotels

Whether you need help booking a singleroom or a number of rooms for a one-offevent – we also recommend the servicesof the Corporate Team who are a hotelagency. Contact them [email protected] or telephone020 7592 3050 and quote ID 1016.

MEMBERS’ LUGGAGE STORAGE

We offer a complimentary bag-dropservice, enabling members of the Inn toleave their luggage securely for up to24 hours. This facility is located in themain entrance of Ashley Building. Hereluggage may be deposited or collectedbetween the hours of 8.00am and8.00pm, Monday to Friday, and by priorarrangement with the Duty Porter(020 7797 7768) for collection on Saturdays.

are also taken into account. The residentsplay an important part in the life of the Innand Temple Church, and theirinvolvement is always welcome.

Parking spaces at the Inn

The Inn has two principal areas wherevehicles may be parked by arrangementwith the Inn, adjacent to Brick Court andQueen Elizabeth Building. The majority ofthe car parking (100) and motorcycle (15)spaces are let either to barristers workingwithin the Inn or to the Inn’s residents.

Who to contact

For Estate matters, please contact theInn’s Estates Office, located in CarpmaelBuilding, on 020 7427 4840 or by e-mail [email protected].

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

For our Members we have negotiatedpreferential rates at a select number ofhotels in London, all convenientlylocated close to the Inn.

To learn their latest rates, please get intouch with the hotel directly.(See the contact details beneath yourchosen hotel.)

Club Quarters

Club Quarters are full service hotels forprivate use by guests and employees ofmember companies; they offer uniqueand complimentary services for thebusiness traveller in a club-like setting. InLondon, there are Club Quarters in fourlocations: (1) near Covent Garden; (2)near the Bank of England; (3) adjacent toSt. Pauls Cathedral and (4) next toTrafalgar Square.

T: 020 7451 5800 and quote Middle TempleE: [email protected]: www.clubquarters.com


If you have a query or question aboutany aspect of the Inn’s activities, this isyour best first port of call.

The Hall Committee represents theinterests of Hall: that is, all barristermembers of Middle Temple (save forstudents and Masters of the Bench) and isactively engaged in the governance ofthe Inn.

Who sits on theHall Committee

The members of Hall Committee areelected every autumn for a period ofthree years and sit on the Standing(Bench) Committees, which broadly coverthe Inn’s main activities andresponsibilities. You can see who sits onwhich committees on the Middle Templewebsite. If you have any comments orquestions for the Standing Committees,please get in touch with the HallCommittee representative:[email protected].

An invitation to join

The Hall Committee works hard toengage with all members of the Inn whohave been Called to the Bar until the endof their professional lives. The Committeewould welcome you to join it. If youwould like to learn how you can help thework of the Inn through the HallCommittee, please get in touch:[email protected].

The Scholarship Fund

Middle Temple has been awardingscholarships to students since 1877. Theprimary purpose is to ensure that those ofreal ability are not deterred from enteringthe profession by a lack of means.

Middle Temple interviews every singleapplicant for a scholarship. The Inn has atrack record of targeting the funds wherethey are most needed: to individuals,regardless of their backgrounds, who willultimately be a credit to the professionand the administration of justice.

Individuals give to the Middle TempleScholarship Fund Appeal because theywant to ‘give back’ to an institution thathas been central to their professionaldevelopment and to contribute to thefuture health of the Bar.

The Scholarship Fund Appeal

A Scholarship Fund Appeal was begunin 2003 to maintain and increase the levelof funding and number of scholarshipsawarded, with the initial aim of raising£5 million. The Right Honourable LordPhillips of Worth Matravers is theAppeal’s patron.

To donate to the Scholarship FundAppeal, please contact Colin Davidson,Director of Membership & Developmentat [email protected].

SCHOLARSHIP FUND APPEAL HALL COMMITTEE


“One of the finest Elizabethanbanqueting halls in England”

Completed in the early 1570s, MiddleTemple Hall has survived civil unrest andwars across the centuries, including thebombing of London in World War II.

Beneath its stunning double hammerbeam roof, its walls are lined with armorialReaders’ Panels that date back to 1597,and its stained glass windows illustratethe coats of arms of many famousmembers of the Inn.

The Hall remains very much the centre ofthe Inn today.

Two tangible pieces ofliving history

The High Table. Made from a single oaktree given to the Inn by Elizabeth I, theHigh Table sits on a dais at the west endof Hall. Grown in Windsor Great Park, thetrunk of the tree was floated along theThames by barge and carved into amagnificent table 29 feet long in the Hall,where it has remained for the last four anda half centuries.

‘Drake’s Cupboard’. Situated prominentlyin Hall on ceremonial occasions, ‘Drake’sCupboard,’ crafted from the hatch cover ofSir Francis Drake’s famous ship, the GoldenHind, takes pride of place during MiddleTemple’s Call ceremonies. On it is laid thebook members sign when they are Calledto the Bar.

MIDDLE TEMPLE HALL

The history of this Inn is intrinsic to who we are and what westand for. Also, a deeper sense of our past can – as we lookforward – help to shape our sense of what matters, and ofwhat is possible.

HISTORY,ARCHITECTUREAND GARDENS


The award-winning gardens of MiddleTemple Hall overlook the river Thamesand offer a peaceful haven from thebustle of central London.

Today, the Gardens are a particularlypopular venue for summer functions, andprovide an idyllic backdrop for corporateevents, filming and wedding photography.Here, surrounded by intricately manicuredborders and expertly maintained lawns, agarden party or outdoor event can be aspectacular occasion.

A potted history of the Gardens

Medieval records describe an orchardbeing here; by the 14th Century there areseveral mentions of its roses. A moreformal design, with a top terrace andwalks, was laid out in 1591.

In the early 18th Century a major re-configuration took place, imposing thethen fashionable 'William and Mary' Dutchstyle, enclosed and with three rectangularlawns, dotted with trees and dissected bygravel paths.

After Bazelgette’s construction of theVictoria Embankment, when direct accessto the river was lost, it was completelyre-shaped over the enlarged area andthis remains the skeletal design of the21st Century garden.

Opening hours

These are private gardens, but with publicaccess Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm, inMay, June, July and September.

Members are most welcome to enjoy theGardens at other times of the year by purchasing a garden gate key from theTreasury Office for £12.

All of the Bench Apartments look overthe stunning gardens of MiddleTemple, which stretch southwardstowards the River Thames.

Each of the three rooms is available forprivate hire both by members of the Innand by external organisations.

Parliament Chamber

Originally built between 1822 and 1824 tohouse the Inn’s Library, ParliamentChamber is used for formal dining,meetings and receptions.

Queen’s Room

Named after the late Queen ElizabethThe Queen Mother, the Queen’s Room isa beautifully proportioned roomdecorated by paintings associated withthe Queen Mother and her appointmentas Royal Bencher of the Inn in 1944.

Prince’s Room

So called to commemorate HRH TheDuke of Cambridge’s Call to the Bench ofMiddle Temple in 2009, the Prince’s Roomis another reception space of classicproportions, housing a table made fromthe hatch cover of Gipsy Moth IV anddonated by Sir Francis Chichester.

BENCH APARTMENTS MIDDLE TEMPLE GARDENS


At the Temple we have good reason tocelebrate the Great Charter on itslandmark anniversary in 2015.

Eight hundred years ago, as his enemiesgrew in power, King John maintained twoLondon headquarters: to the east, thefortified Tower of London; to the west, theTemple, safely under the control of theKing’s allies, the Knights Templar.

From the Temple were issued some of thevital charters that preceded the MagnaCarta itself. One of these guaranteed theCity of London the right to freely elect itsown Mayor. More fundamental were thefamously fraught negotiations thatopened the road to Runnymede –whereby twenty-five barons made surethat even the King was subject to the law.

By the fourteenth century the Temple andthe Church were occupied by two ofLondon’s legal colleges, Middle and InnerTemple. In 1608 King James I gave thewhole area of the Temple to these two‘Inns of Court’. He laid down twoconditions: the Inns of Court had tomaintain the Temple Church and its

Master, and also had to educate andaccommodate lawyers. The Inns havedone so with pride ever since.

Today we still celebrate someof the Great Charter’s heroes…

Chief among them is William the Marshal,buried in Temple Church, where his effigystill lies. He was the most powerful man inEngland and remained loyal to the King,but insisted that the King seal the Charter.(Read more about Temple Churchoverleaf.)

The earliest Middle Templar identifiableby name was William Hankeford, who in1388 was appointed one of Richard II’sserjeants-at-law. Since then, the MiddleTemple has produced countless famouslawyers, including the Elizabethan lawreporter Edmund Plowden, whocommissioned our great Hall.

Over four and a half centuries ofacclaimed lawyers, Lord Chancellors,Chief Justices and Masters of the Rolls arecommemorated in the Inn’s portraits andheraldic stained glass. A group portrait ofeight current Benchers holding thehighest judicial offices was commissionedin 2006 and hangs in the BenchApartments.

Sir Walter Raleigh is one of the manyMiddle Temple members who have wonfame outside the field of law - asluminaries of the Elizabethan andJacobean Courts. Another isBartholomew Gosnold, who named CapeCod and Martha’s Vineyard and foundedthe first successful English settlement inNorth America at Jamestown in 1607.

The American connection has remainedstrong over the years. In the 18th centurymany young men were sent from Americato complete their education at the MiddleTemple, among them five who were to signthe Declaration of Independence and sevenwho were signatories to the Constitution.

The Inn’s tradition of masques and revelsdates back to medieval times and attracteda host of Elizabethan and Jacobean poetsand playwrights to the membership. Thefirst recorded performance of Shakespeare’sTwelfth Night took place in Hall in 1602.Famous literary members include JohnMarston, Elias Ashmole, Henry Fielding,Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Charles Dickens,William Thackeray and John Buchan.

A tradition of Royal Benchers has been inplace since the Prince of Wales (the futureKing Edward VII) became a Bencher of theInn in 1861. Others include: Prince AlbertVictor of Wales, Duke of Clarence andAvondale; Edward VIII, later Duke ofWindsor; Queen Elizabeth, The QueenMother; Diana, Princess of Wales, and ourpresent Royal Bencher HRH The Duke ofCambridge.

FAMOUS PEOPLE AND TREASURES THE TEMPLE AND THE MAGNA CARTA


One of the most beautiful and historicchurches in London, the Temple Churchwas built by the Knights Templar, theorder of crusading monks founded toprotect pilgrims on their way to and fromJerusalem in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The church of both Middle and InnerTemple, it is situated in Church Courtbetween Middle Temple Lane and King’sBench Walk.

The extraordinary space of the RoundChurch, which forms the core of thebuilding, was constructed to recreate theshape and sanctity of the Holy Sepulchre,the burial place of Jesus in Jerusalem.

A rare musical heritage

The Church is world-famous for its music,its choir and its exceptional acoustics.Founded in 1841 by Dr Edward JohnHopkins, its choir is widely considered tobe one of the finest in London.

The Temple Church Choir continues torecord, broadcast and perform, in

addition to its regular services at theChurch. It is an all-male choir, consistingof 12 professional choirmen and 18 boyswho are all educated on generousscholarships. The choir sings at theprincipal service on Sunday morning(11.15am), at occasional weekdayevensongs (5.45pm) and at concerts.

Weddings, services andthe Master of the Temple

All members of the Inn, of all (or no)religious affiliation, are welcome to ourChurch of England services, concerts,lectures and other events. All members arealso entitled to be married in the Churchand to have their children baptised there.

The Master of the Temple lives and workswithin the Temple. If you would like toknow more about the Church, to meethim, or to have a confidentialconversation, he will be glad to see you:[email protected].

For details of the Church’s events, pleasevisit www.templechurch.com.

TEMPLE CHURCH

JOINING INFORMATION


We trust that this Guide, together withour website, helps you to make themost of your membership as a MiddleTemplar.

To contact Estates, Events, Finance,Library, Security (24 hours) and TempleChurch, please turn to the inside frontpage of this Guide. For general enquiries,please see the contact details below.

Access to Middle Temple

If you’re on foot. Please note how timingsvary, depending on whether you areentering or leaving Middle Temple.

• 24 hour access: (1) Tudor Street; (2)Middle Temple Lane into Fleet Street.

• Restricted access (7am to 8.30pmMonday to Friday): (3) The Entrancefrom Fleet Street into Middle TempleLane; (4) The Embankment.

• If you’re a tenant, you will be providedwith a proximity card for entry into yourchambers when the site is closed.

If you’re driving. Access for vehicles is viaTudor Street with the exit open from 7amto 8.30pm onto the Embankment (turnleft only.) The only vehicle exit after8.30pm on weekdays and weekends is viaTudor Street. The postal code for sat navfor this gate is EC4Y 0AY.

Keeping in touch

We encourage you to let us know yourthoughts about this Guide and any otheraspect of our activities and community –so we can continue to develop the valueand rewards of being a Middle Templar.

In order to keep up-to-date with the manyofferings for members and to see moredetailed content available only tomembers, please do register as a user onthe website.

Colin DavidsonDirector of Membership & DevelopmentT: 020 7427 4822E: [email protected]

If you have yet to become a Member ofMiddle Temple, we warmly encourageyou to join our Inn of Court.

As a Student

You may apply for admission to the MiddleTemple either from the second year ofyour undergraduate law degree onwards,or once you have a confirmed place on theGDL / CPE (and have obtained aCertificate of Academic Standing from theBar Standards Board). Each year, theHonourable Society of the Middle Templeadmits over 500 student members.

If you are looking to find out more aboutthe Inn, we highly recommend arrangingto have a tour. For more information,either see the websitewww.middletemple.org.uk/joining-the-inn/students or, for general enquiries

about student admission, please contactthe Student Records Officer, MelissaTucker, at [email protected].

Other Applicants

We also welcome your application, if youare a Transferring Solicitor, an OverseasLawyer, or a Legal Academic, and wouldlike to join the Inn as a Specially QualifiedApplicant.

You might also like to join the Inn as an AdEundem Barrister, having already beenCalled to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn, InnerTemple or Gray’s Inn. Alternatively, you maylike to apply for Temporary Call to the Barof England and Wales, or for readmissionto the Inn, having already been Called tothe Bar by the Middle Temple.For more details, go towww.middletemple.org.uk/joining-the-inn.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR MEMBERSHere we aim to give you the practical support you most need –either as a potential Member looking to join, or as an existingMember seeking specific contacts or information.


Middle Temple LaneLondon EC4Y 9BTT: 020 7427 4800F: 020 7427 4801E: [email protected]: www.middletemple.org.uk


middle temple members' guide

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