Great parks in Camden
- Great parks in Camden /
- Bloomsbury Square /
- Brunswick Square /
- Camden Square /
- Cantelowes Gardens and Skatepark /
- Hampstead Cemetery /
- Kilburn Grange /
- Hampstead Heath and Kenwood /
- Lincoln's Inn Fields /
- Primrose Hill, Regent's Park and London Zoo /
- Queen Square /
- Red Lion Square /
- Russell Square /
- St George's Gardens /
- St Martin's Gardens /
- St Pancras' Gardens /
- Swiss Cottage Open Space /
- Talacre Gardens /
- Tavistock Square
Lincoln's Inn Fields
Lincoln's Inn Fields is the largest square in London and the oldest in Camden. There has been public open space here since at least the 12th century.
Famously it was laid out by Inigo Jones in the 17th century and later enclosed in 1735 under an Act of Parliament. At one time it was popular for duellists but is more noted for the minor speaker's corner to which aspiring advocates used to practice for their future careers. In the years of Inigo Jones the square was the most fashionable in London. One plausible reason for its popularity was that Nell Gwynne resided here and her son, the Duke of St. Albans, was born here.
Behind the Fields lies the Old Curiosity Shop, a legacy of Charles Dickens' novel so it is said. To the north, at number 13, is Sir John Soane's Museum, set exactly as he left it at his death in 1837. A rare collection of antiquities are on display in the rooms that he lived in and furnished.
The chequered past is little in evidence today as people lounge on the lawns and benches at lunchtimes, while the more energetic play tennis or netball.
History
You can find out more about the history of Lincoln's Inn Fields
Photography
For photos, please visit the Lincoln's Inn Flickr page
Contact
Contact details and opening times for Lincoln Inn Fields
