Londonist Explores Gresham College’s Medieval Barnard’s Inn Hall

We recently welcomed more than 20 subscribers to the Londonist’s Time Machine Substack for a tour of Barnard’s Inn Hall, parts of which are thought to date back to the 12th or 13th century. 

The history buffs were led by the Londonist’s Matt Brown, who is an expert on all things London, and their tour included a potted history talk by Gresham College's PR Coordinator, Phil Creighton. 

Matt described Barnard’s Inn Hall as “a hidden gem”, highlighting the beams in the main hall – where most lectures are given. These are the only examples of crown posts in Greater London. The woodwork in the Grade II-listed building also pre-dates Shakespeare and Henry VIII’s reign. 

Barnard's Inn, thought to be named after 15th century leaseholder Lionel Barnard, has been used for various purposes over the centuries. They include the Mercers School and an Inn of Chancery: space for trainee barristers to live and study. 

The tour also included a visit to the basement, where visitors could admire a mural dedicated to the buildings of Sir Christopher Wren and, on the other side of the room, some of the ancient stones that underpin the hall: around 800 years old, this is a real link to the heritage around us. 

Matt's feature didn’t just focus on our past, but outlined our present and future, describing the wide array of free lectures offered in person and online throughout the academic year.

The Londonist's website offers a comprehensive roundup of events and activities in the capital each week, including many of Gresham College's lectures and events. 

Read Matt’s report, and subscribe to the Londonist Time Machine Substack