INNS OF CHANCERY

So called because anciently inhabited by such clerks as chiefly studied the framing of writs, which regularly belonged to the cursltors, who were officers of the court of chancery. There are nine of them, Clement’s, Clifford’s, and Lyon’s Inn; Furnival’s, Thavies,’ and Symond’s Inn; New Inn; and Barnard’s and Staples’ Inn. These were formerly preparatory colleges for students, and many entered them before they were admitted into the inns of court. They consist chiefly of solicitors, and possess corporate property, hall, chambers, etc., but perform no public functions like the inns of court Wharton.