The Architecture of the Inns of Court in the Late Seventeenth Century

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The late seventeenth century saw sweeping changes to the character of London in response to the Great Fire and the shifting political and economic environment. Sir Christopher Wren's role as Surveyor of the King's Works gave him wide influence across the built environment. A less well-known figure, though one arguably as influential on the character of London as Wren, was Nicholas Barbon. Barbon was one of the main proponents of the terraced house, which became the dominant housing typology in London. The Inns of Court were subject to radical architectural redevelopment in the Post-Restoration era. Wren and Barbon both played influential roles in shaping their character. After the Great Fire, Wren assisted with the rebuilding of Inner Temple and the refurbishment of Temple Church. Barbon built a substantial portion of Middle Temple between 1676 - 1693. In 1680 Barbon and Wren competed to redesign the Cloisters between the Inner and Middle Temple. There is also evidence to suggest Wren assisted with the new Middle Temple Gateway in 1684. At Lincoln's Inn, Barbon built New Square and Wren oversaw alterations to the chapel. It is speculated that Barbon built at Gray's Inn, but this so far remains unsubstantiated. The history of the Inns of Court has been studied in depth, but their architectural history has only been looked at peripherally. My research will explore a crucial period in their development, drawing upon hitherto unexamined primary sources alongside built fabric.