I was recently in London for business and rose early in order to take a walk around the neighborhood before work. My first stop was Fleet River Bakery for an impeccably crafted Flat White.
I decided to walk through the park at Lincoln's Inn Fields en route to the grounds of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. The grounds were shaded and quiet this early in the morning.
A gazebo stood in the center.
Stately and gnarled trees must have been at least a couple hundred years old.
I had passed by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn the previous day and had taken a cursory look around. However, I felt more confident this morning since I now knew that the outdoor areas were indeed open to the public. It was an idyllic spot. This place is one of the four historic Inns of Court and is essentially a grouping of law offices, albeit one that is several hundred years old!
Surrounding the green square were a number of offices.
The list of barristers in residence was listed outside.
I discovered a store selling law books that was founded in 1818.I passed by additional red brick offices...
...and the library.
You must be on your best behavior when visiting: The porters & police have orders to remove all Persons making a noise within this Inn. No wonder it was so peaceful and silent!
I took a final pass through the grounds; drinking in the grandeur and then headed on my way.
Further up the road, I discovered Staple Inn. I was interested in comparing the grounds to those at Lincoln's Inn but they were clearly off limits...
I wandered through the lanes not far from Fleet Street.
En route, I passed the Silver Jubilee walkway.
A small lane skirted the edge of the Royal Courts of Justice.
I liked this store: The Silver Mousetrap which was established in 1690.
All sorts of silvery goodness was on display in the shop window.
It was also a fitting location for The Wig Box which apparently sold antique powdered wigs historically required to appear in court.
I finished my morning commute by passing by the Royal College of Surgeons on Lincoln's Inn Field before making a mad dash for the office. I'd dawdled for quite a while in the area steeping in the atmosphere.