Staple Inn
Holborn, London WC1

This spectacular black and white half-timbered structure overlooking High Holborn is one of central London's few surviving Tudor buildings.  It dates from 1586 and, although restored, would be still be recognisable to those who had known when it was first built.  

The building was once the wool staple, where wool was weighed and taxed.  Later it was one of the Inns of Chancery.  Today, the building no longer serves that function; the four remaining Inns of Court being Grays Inn, Lincoln's Inn and the Middle and Inner Temple. 

Beneath the overhanging frontage, the shops at street level have the feel of the 19th century.  Through an arched entrance is a courtyard, with some 18th century buildings.  Staple Inn's courtyard has long been known as a secluded haven away from the noise and congestion of the capital.  The 19th century American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, 'there was not a quieter spot in England that this', and Charles Dickens included its tranquility in 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood'.

Interior not open to the public