Lincoln’s Inn Heritage Fund

Established in 1986, the Heritage Fund (Charity number: 293662) protects three of Lincoln’s Inn’s most historic buildings – the Old Hall (1485), Chapel (1623), and Library (1845). These are not museum pieces but living, working spaces used every day for education, worship and supporting those at the Bar. The Fund provides for the restoration and specialist care of these remarkable spaces, preserving them for future generations. This vital work relies on the generosity of members, friends and the wider public.

Every donation – large or small – directly supports the conservation of the Inn’s heritage buildings, including:

• Repairs and restoration
• Ongoing specialist maintenance
• Long-term preservation of our unique architectural heritage

Your support ensures these historic spaces continue to inspire and serve future generations.

Heritage Fund in Action: Restoring the Chapel’s East Window

From Summer 2026 to Summer 2027, the Inn is undertaking a major conservation project to restore the Chapel’s east window. This intricate and irreplaceable 17th‑century glass is a significant feature of the Chapel and requires specialist work, being carried out by York Glaziers Trust, to repair and protect it for the future.

This project alone costs £220,000. Current projections indicate that as much as £2 million of conservation work may be needed over the next five years across the buildings supported by the Heritage Fund.

Please consider supporting this work by donating to the Heritage Fund.

Why it matters

The East Window contains 220 stained glass armorial panels recording Treasurers from 1680 to 1909, including 3 x Prime Ministers (Pitt, Addington and Perceval), and leading legal figures such as Lord Brougham (a key force behind the Slavery Abolition Act) and Thomas Erskine: Defended radical writers like Thomas Paine.

Unlike mediaeval windows made of coloured glass sections held by lead, 17th-to-19th-century glass is far more sophisticated – and more fragile. Artists painted intricate detail directly on plain glass using enamels that were then kiln-fired. This technique allowed extraordinary detail, but created serious, long-term structural vulnerabilities.

The window survived a Zeppelin bomb in 1915, but environmental conditions have caused gradual damage that will continue without intervention.

Specialist conservation

This 12-month project requires the removal of the window for restoration by York Glaziers Trust, the UK’s leading stained glass conservation specialists, at their specialist studio in York. Work includes:
·    Cleaning and consolidation: stabilising deteriorating glass and enamels
·    Micro-resin repairs: mending cracks with epoxy resins
·    Protective glazing: replacing polycarbonate with hand-blown clear glass
·    Improved ventilation: reducing condensation and future decay

Looking ahead

This project is one example of the work supported by the Heritage Fund. Your donation helps fund conservation and protect our historic spaces for future generations. Thank you.

Donate to the Heritage Fund

You can donate quickly and securely through our Just Giving Page:

If you are a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid at no extra cost. A gift of £100 with Gift Aid becomes £125 to the Heritage Fund. (Please note: Gift Aid cannot be claimed on overseas donations, corporate donations, or legacy gifts.)

Leave a Legacy

Leaving a legacy to the Heritage Fund is a meaningful and lasting way to protect Lincoln’s Inn’s historic buildings for future generations. If you are making or updating your will, please consider including a gift to support the long‑term preservation of this unique architectural heritage.

If you have questions, or would like to donate via bank transfer, please email: [email protected]

Previous Projects Supported by the Heritage Fund

The following examples show the tangible difference donors make. Thank you for your support.