Clifford's Inn

Clifford's Inn

On the west side of Fetter Lane, north of St. Dunstan's, Fleet Street (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Without.

One of the Inns of Chancery.

First mention: Inn (hospitium) of Clyfford by the Church of St. Dunstan Fletestrete, 19 Ed. III. (Cal. P.R. Ed. III. 1345–8, p. 26).

It consisted of a messuage and garden given by Ed. II. to Robert de Clifford, 10 Ed. II. (Ch. I. p.m. 10 Ed. II. (3)). It seems to have remained in the possession of the Clifford family until the 15th century (Cal. P.R. Ed. IV. 1467–77, p. 93).

Stow says it was let by Isabel, wife of Robert Clifford, to students of the law (S. 395), and in 1345 we find it in the custody of David de Wollonere, king's clerk (Cal. P.R. Ed. III. 1345–8, p. 26).

The freehold was acquired by the Society in the 15th century. Hall repaired and beautified between 1720–55. The gardens were railed in and planted with trees early in the 18th century (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 276).

Now let as chambers, etc.

Cliffords Inn. One of the Inns of Chancery (See Inns of Court.) It is situate on the N. side of Fleet Str. by St. Dunstan's Church, or on the W. side and near the S. end of Fetter Lane.

It is so called as being the City Residence of the Honourable Family of the Cliffords (whence the late Earls of Cumberland descended) Robert de Clifford having the Inheritance thereof by Grant from Kind Edw. the 2d. Anno 1309, to hold by the Service of 1 Penny paid into the Exchequer at Michaelmas, and it came to the King for certain Debts due to him from one Malculme de Harley, Eschaetor to Edw. the 1st. on this side the Trent; and the Widow of the said Robert demised it, Anno 1337, to Students in the Common Law for the Rent of 10 l. and afterward by a Grant thereof to Nicholas Sulyard, Esq; Principal of this House, and others Seniors, in consideration of 600 l. and 4 l. per Ann. which is most probable, hath continued to the Lawyers ever since. This Society are governed by a Principal and 12 Rulers; the Gent. are in Commons a Fortnight in every Term, and those that are not pay about 4 s. per Week, but not always certain. They sell their Chambers for 1 Life, and have Mootings.

Their Armorial Ensigns are, Chequy Or and Azure, a Fess Gules, within a Bordure of the third.

Clifford's Inn. Next beyond this Church [St. Duntans in the West], is Clifford's Inn, sometime belonging to Robert Clifford, by Gift of Edward II. in these Words.

The King granteth to Robert Clifford, that Messuage, with the Appurtenances, next the Church of St. Dunstane in the West, in the Suburbs of London. Which Messuage was sometime Malculines de Herley; and came to the Hands of Edward I. by reason of certain Debts, which the said Malculine was bound at the time of his death, to our said Father, from the time that he was Escheator on this side Trent. Which House, John Earl of Richmond did hold at our Pleasure, and is now in our Possession.

Patent the 3d of Edward II.

After the Death of this Robert Clifford, Isabel his Wife let the same Messuage to Students of the Law, as by the Record following may appear.

Isabel, quæxx fuit uxor Roberti Clifford, Messuagium unipartitum, quod Robertus Clifford habuit in Parochia S. Dunstani, West. in Suburbio Londini, &c. tenuit, & illud dimisit post mortem dict. Roberti Apprenticiis de Banco, pro 10l. Annuatim, &c. Anno 18 Edvardi tertii, inquisitis post mortem Roberti Clifford.

This House hath since fallen into the King's Hands, as I have heard, but returned again to the Cliffords; and is now letten to the said Students for four Pounds by the Year.

Somewhat beyond this Clifford's Inn, is the South end of New street, (or Chancelar lane) on the Right hand whereof is Serjeants Inn called, in Chancery lane.

Clifford's Inn, one of the Inns of Chancery, is situated behind St. Dunstan's church in Fleet Street, and is much improved by new buildings. It has three courts, and a garden adorned with rows of lime trees set round the grass plats, and with gravel walks, which are kept in good order. This Inn took its name from its being anciently the house of the Lord Clifford.