In editing this edition of the Yearbook, I am reminded of the depth and richness of the Inn’s history. From the soil discovered at the bottom of the Treasury Building’s lift pit dating back circa 56 million years and the burial sites of the Iron Age Britons, Romans and Saxons who made their homes here, to the 12th century stone carvings adorning the Temple Church Doorway and the fires and bombings which threatened to destroy the Inn altogether.
I am also reminded that the Inn is nothing without its people. I have enjoyed reading about Sub-Treasurers and Librarians old and new (some more dedicated than others!), trailblazing South Asian barristers, the Sikh Bandi Chhor celebrations, and the adventures of members representing the Inn overseas.
It is clear that the Inn is ever evolving and our experience of it a brief snapshot in time. I wonder what our successors will write in future Yearbooks – hopefully they will reflect the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion at the Bar, positive experiences with AI, and an appreciation of the soon-to-be refurbished Temple Church featuring the new cohort of girl choristers. On the other hand, I hope that there will be no more reports of Sub-Treasurers fighting fires with bloody bandaged legs, or of cars crashing into lightwells…
A huge thank you to our contributors and Master Braun, Henrietta Amodio, Nadia Ruiz and the wider editorial team who have worked tirelessly to produce this important record of Inn life. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the read. Until next year,
Lily Walker-Parr
5RB