Staple Inn

The West End


The half-timbered shopfront facade is the main interest at Staple Inn (1580), the last of eight Inns of Chancery whose functions were superseded by the Inns of Court in the 18th century. The buildings, mostly postwar reconstructions, are now occupied by offices and law chambers and aren’t open to the public, though you can have a look around the courtyard.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The West End attractions

1. Gray’s Inn

0.09 MILES

This inn was destroyed during WWII, rebuilt and expanded; its peaceful gardens are still something of a treat. The walls of the original hall absorbed the…

2. St Etheldreda's

0.18 MILES

More than just a gorgeous oasis of peace, this stunner of a church is also the oldest Roman Catholic church in the UK, dating from the reign of Edward I…

3. Lincoln’s Inn

0.19 MILES

The attractive Lincoln’s Inn has a chapel with lovely stained glass, pleasant square and picturesque gardens that invite a stroll, especially early or…

4. St Andrew Holborn

0.2 MILES

First mentioned in the 10th century, St Andrew's was rebuilt by Wren in 1686 and is the largest of his parish churches. The airy interior includes large,…

5. Dr Johnson’s House

0.25 MILES

This 16th-century Georgian pile is one of the few surviving in the City, and it was the home of Samuel Johnson, author of the first serious English…

6. Sir John Soane's Museum

0.28 MILES

This museum is one of the most atmospheric and fascinating in London. The Georgian building was the beautiful, bewitching home of architect Sir John Soane…

7. Royal Courts of Justice

0.29 MILES

Where the Strand joins Fleet St, you’ll see the entrance to this gargantuan melange of Gothic spires, pinnacles and burnished Portland stone, built in…

8. Holborn Viaduct

0.31 MILES

Completed in 1869, this fine iron bridge was built to link Holborn and Newgate St above what had been a valley created by the River Fleet. The four bronze…