Barnard's Inn, the Hall, 1878-1879

From: Henry Dixon & Son

RA Collection: Art

Barnard's Inn, the Hall.

"The Hall ([photograph] no.27) is said to have been built not later than 1450, but, as we now see it, it has of course undergone much alteration. It is remarkable as having preserved its louvre of lead of the time of Henry VIII., in its original condition. This is one of the few still remaining. Even after halls were furnished with fireplaces in the side walls, the practice was continued of kindling a fire on a hearth of tile or brick in the centre of the room, letting the smoke escape by a hole in roof, over which was an erection to keep out the rain, with open sides - the louvre (Charles Baily, Remarks on Timber Houses, in Surrey Archæological Collections, vol. IV)."

The above description, by Alfred Marks, was taken from the letterpress which accompanies the photographs. Today although there has been much re-development of Barnard's Inn and the garden no longer exists, the hall with it's stained glass can still be seen.