A Quiet Morning at Lincoln's Inn Fields

Behind the Renaissance Chancery Court hotel, I found the serene surroundings of Lincoln's Inn Fields. The name is taken from one of the four remaining Inns of the Court, buildings or precincts where barristers traditionally lodged, trained or carried out their profession. In addition to Lincoln's Inn the other Inns of the Court are Gray's Inn, Inner Temple and Middle Temple.

The largest square in London at 12 acres and once a popular venue for fighting duels, today lawyers battle it out instead on the tennis courts here on their lunch hour. This public space has origins going back to the 12th century, but the layout that is seen today dates to the 17th century.

Secluded in the park is The Terrace restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a Caribbean twist. On the north side is the Sir John Soane's Museum. Nearest tube stations to the park are Holborn and Chancery Court. The park closes at dusk.

Since it was my last full day in London, I chose this to be a lazy morning to relax after visiting Soane's museum and soak in the historical surroundings of this quiet space before heading off to have coffee and then to do some last minute shopping.