T A Royal Connection

A ROYAL CONNECTION

By Master Michael Lawson, Master of the Silver

Newspaper from 1956 fit out

Vault refit in progress The New Vault

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year turned our minds to the royal connections which the Inn has enjoyed over the centuries. We would not have experienced the stability we have over the years, had it not been for the Royal Charter granted by James 1 in 1608 (“the Temple to serve for all time to come for the accommodation and education of the students and practitioners of the laws of the realm”) and confirmed by Letters Patent by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth in 2008.

Our Royal Benchers and Royal Treasurers attest to the continued connection between our Inn and the monarchy. There is a number of silver items in our collection which have a royal connection, some of which have been described in previous additions of the Yearbook. This year Richard Parsons, our silver expert for 40 years, has written about some less well-known items given, or used, by recent monarchs. We welcome this enduring connection and appreciate their continuing interest in our affairs.

The re-opening of the Treasury building in June by our current Royal Bencher, HRH The Princess Royal was a memorable occasion. The substantial works carried out recognised our need to adapt the post-War building to meet our current and future needs and despite some sadness at the loss of the original Library, the building exudes a confidence in the Inn of its continuing importance as a community of ‘practitioners of the laws of the realm’ and a seat of education for its students. Down in the basement a significant change has been made to the silver vault. The old wooden cupboards, fitted in the early 1950s at the time of the building of the Treasury, were no longer suitable for the Inn’s silver collection and larger pieces that were regularly used at dinners, for example the candelabra, were at risk of damage as they were taken out and returned. The room was stripped out, new display cabinets and improved lighting were installed but it proved impossible to install air-conditioning. Never mind! We are delighted, and grateful, for the new conditions in which our silver is kept.

The old wooden cupboards, fitted in the early 1950s at the time of the building of the Treasury, were no longer suitable for the Inn’s silver collection.

We were also delighted to see the silver return to the Inn. During the renovations, various friends guarded our treasures – The Middle Temple, The Worshipful Companies of Vintners, the Pewterers and Goldsmiths all helped, thanks to Richard Parsons’ contacts, and we are most grateful to them all for their kindness. Not one piece was mislaid, and no damage done.

His Honour Michael Lawson KC

Master of the Silver