In this Black Books Society Lecture, Andrew Collender KC explores life and legacy of Matthew Hale. Matthew Hale was one of the greatest scholars of the English law and a model of judicial impartiality. His career prospered under both Cromwell and Charles II. It encompassed many of the major legal concerns of the day, from the property disputes following the Great Fire of London to, more controversially, witchcraft trials. A true Renaissance man, on his death, 350 years ago this year, he bequeathed a magnificent collection of his manuscripts to the Inn, which reflected his wide range of interests and knowledge.