London - Gray's Inn

Gray's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court which have the exclusive right of admitting lawyers to practice as barristers in the English courts. The others are the Middle and Inner Temples, both housed in the Temple, and Lincoln's Inn. Gray's Inn is said to have been in existence as early as the 14th century (though this is the subject of dispute). It takes its name from the former owners of the site, the Lords de Gray. The buildings, damaged during World War II, have been fully restored and are set in beautiful gardens. To see the interesting Chapel, Hall and Library, application should be made to the Undertreasurer. The 16th century Hall has fine 16th and 17th century heraldic windows with the coats of arms of Treasurers of the Inn. Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors" was performed here for the first time in 1594. In the Library is a statue of the philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon, the most notable member of the Inn, who lived here from 1576 to 1626.