Anniversary Events for Members
A diverse programme of events was curated to celebrate the Inn’s 600th anniversary throughout 2022, some highlights of which are listed below.
Anniversary Weekend
Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 April
The Anniversary Weekend was a celebration of all the ways we can welcome you to the Inn. The programme of events provided the perfect opportunity for members who live at distance from the Inn, or who have fallen out of touch to re-engage and enjoy some of our marvellous hospitality, with a guest.
On Saturday afternoon, the Treasurer officially launched the Inn’s Digital Manuscripts website. Members could explore the Black Books online, as well view the original manuscript and other Library treasures in person throughout the afternoon. The MCR offered our popular afternoon tea through the afternoon. For the more energetic, maps were available to enable you to walk or cycle a route covering places associated with the Victorian social reformer F.D. Maurice (Chaplain to the Inn 1846-60), who died 150 years ago.
In the evening, a black-tie dinner took place in the Great Hall. This was a ‘domus’ style dining experience, with the focus on conversation, collegiality and, of course, superb food.
On Sunday morning, we offered tours of the Inn and the opportunity to learn more about the history and heritage of the estate, with members of the Treasury team. There was also be a Chapel Service with music to celebrate our anniversary, followed by a traditional Inn Sunday Lunch.
Dr Annie Gray Lecture & Dinner – Social History of Dining at Lincoln’s Inn
Tuesday 12 April
We were delighted to host the renowned food historian Dr Annie Gray for a lecture and dinner in Great Hall.
Our Archivist raided the Black Books for details of our dining habits through the ages, and our chefs brushed up on their pottage recipes! An adventure in flavours, the evening served up an epicurean feast through the ages of the Inn, with Dr Gray describing the way dining has changed, not only in terms of ingredients but also its social context and style of delivery.
Black Books Society Anniversary Lecture: The Chapel Stained Glass Lecture & Drinks reception
Thursday 19 May
Professor Sarah Brown, currently supervising a major project for the Chapel’s stained glass, explained the importance of the glass and her conservation work, followed by a drinks reception. You can watch her lecture here.
London Square Open Gardens Weekend
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June
The Inn was delighted to be take part in 2022’s London Square Open Gardens Weekend in association with the London Gardens Trust.
During the weekend a wide variety of activities were on offer, to members and their guests of all ages, as well as the opportunity to stroll through and enjoy our gardens including garden tours with the Head Gardener, falconry displays by London Falconry, strolling players and old-fashioned children’s games will be freely available to play on our North Lawn, including croquet, quoits and boules. The London branch of UK Soul Choirs also performed on Saturday 11 June, near our pop up stalls which offered barbecue, drinks and sweets on our East Terrace.
Amity Dinner for Colleagues in Scotland & Ireland
Saturday 25 June
Benchers of Lincoln’s Inn and their partners were invited to dine in amity with Benchers from the Inn of Northern Ireland, King’s Inns Dublin and the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland.
600th Anniversary Garden Party
Thursday 7 July
600th Anniversary Family Day: Chapel Service, followed by BBQ and games
Sunday 10 July
Black Books Society Anniversary Lecture: The Architecture of Lincoln’s Inn, plus walking tour
Wednesday 13 July
Richard Wallington led an architectural tour of the Inn, explaining changes in taste and function which have dictated how the Inn appears today.
Open House London Festival
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 September
On 17 and 18 September 2022, Lincoln’s Inn took part in the Open House Festival, the largest annual festival of architecture and design in London. More than 1,600 people came to explore the Inn over the course of the weekend as we threw open our doors to the public. See some of the feedback here.
Black Books Society Anniversary Lecture: William Pitt lecture and black-tie dinner
Thursday 27 October
Lord Hague discussed the life and career of William Pitt on Thursday 27 October. Pitt was one of sixteen Prime Ministers to be members of the Inn and also served as Treasurer in 1794. The talk was followed by a black-tie dinner.
Black Books Society Anniversary Lecture & Dinner: Jonathan Crow QC – 600 Years of Lincoln’s Inn
Monday 5 December
The Treasurer, Jonathan Crow KC, focussed on the careers of six illustrious members whose lives and careers exemplify aspects of the history of the Inn. From Sir John Fortescue – one of the first names to be written in the Black Books – to Cornelia Sorabji, these are lives which witnessed and shaped great change in the Inn and in society at large. These are careers which changed the Law in England, which demonstrate revolutionary social and political changes and which document the long road towards opening access to the Law and to the Bar. The talk was followed by a black-tie dinner.
Family Carol Service in Chapel, followed by Christmas Lunch
Sunday 11 December
Black Books Society Anniversary Lecture: The Laws in England in 1422 lecture followed by drinks reception
Wednesday 14 December
Nicholas Le Poidevin QC considered the professional lives of the Inn’s early members in The Law in England in 1422. The lecture was followed by a drinks reception.