A seat of legal learning - Lincoln's Inn, London WC2, part II The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn

In the second of two articles, John Goodall examines the architectural development of Lincoln's Inn from the late 17th century to the present day

-  John Goodall

ON the afternoon of February 29, 1672, Charles II and a glittering company of courtiers were honourably received at Lincoln's Inn. The occasion was proudly described in the society's administrative chronicle, known as the Black Books, and is celebrated in a series of early 19th-century heraldic painted panels inserted in the ornate screen of the Inn's Old Hall.

The monarch was met at the gate on Chancery Lane and proceeded to walk in the surrounding gardens to the accompaniment of trumpets and kettle drums played from the roof of one of the buildings. Members of the society then lined his route to the council chamber. From there he went on to view the chapel and, afterwards, took his seat in the hall for dinner.

The king sat under a canopy of estate-a rich overhanging cloth bearing the royal arms at a table enclosed by a rail and was served on bended knee by members of the society. Prince Rupert, who was one of the party, shared the table but all the 'dukes and lords, and... attendants of quality stood by for a period watching the King eat before they were graciously permitted to sit at tables to either side of the hall for their own repast. Throughout this 'most liberal banquet... his Majesty's violins' played from the gallery above the hall screen.

When the meal was concluded, the King called for the Book of Admittance' to the society and with his own hand entered his royal name therein, most graciously condescending to make himself a member thereof." Such an honour, the account smugly observes, was 'not precedented by any former King of this realm.' His royal companions then likewise signed and, borrowing gowns, began waiting at table. Rising from the meal, the King knighted someone from every degree within the hierarchy of the society-two Benchers, a Barrister and a student-and departed.