Unearthing London's Legal History: Exploring Lincoln's Inn

💡Lincoln's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court, ancient legal societies that train and govern every barrister in England and Wales.

🏰Beneath the Tudor buildings of Lincoln's Inn lies the remnants of a grand 13th-century palace, the birthplace of London's legal community.

🌳Archaeological excavation at Lincoln's Inn is challenging due to the presence of tree roots and restrictions on digging near listed buildings.

🤔The team discovers a 19th-century temporary courthouse, shedding light on the Inn's legal history during the time when the Palace of Westminster was damaged.

🔍Despite the challenges, the excavation uncovers valuable artifacts, including Tudor pottery, providing a glimpse into the past.

What is Lincoln's Inn?

—Lincoln's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court, legal societies responsible for training and governing barristers in England and Wales.

What is the significance of Lincoln's Inn?

—Lincoln's Inn is one of the oldest and most prestigious law societies in the world and has played a crucial role in the training of lawyers for centuries.

What challenges did the team face during the excavation?

—The team encountered challenges such as tree roots, restrictions on digging near listed buildings, and the complexity of excavating in a densely built urban area like London.

What did the team discover during the excavation?

—In addition to the Tudor buildings, the team discovered a 19th-century temporary courthouse, providing insights into the legal history of Lincoln's Inn during the reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster.

Were any significant artifacts found during the excavation?

—The excavation yielded valuable artifacts, including Tudor pottery, offering a glimpse into the daily life and activities of the inhabitants of Lincoln's Inn in the past.

00:00Introduction to Lincoln's Inn and its historical significance as one of the oldest and most distinguished law societies in the world.

01:26Exploration of the challenges faced during the excavation, including tree roots, restrictions on digging near listed buildings, and the presence of a large, protected tree canopy.

08:00Discussion on the discovery of a 19th-century temporary courthouse that sheds light on the legal history of Lincoln's Inn during the Palace of Westminster's reconstruction.

11:00Evaluation of the findings in the excavation, including the unearthing of Tudor pottery and other artifacts providing insights into daily life in Lincoln's Inn.