Two English inns of court thus called because anciently the dwelling place of the Knights Templar. On the suppression of the order, they were purchased by some professors of the common law, and converted into hospitia or inns of court They are called the “Inner” and “Middle Temple,” in relation to Essex House, which was also a part of the house of the Templars, and called the “Outer Temple,” because situated without Temple Bar. Enc. Lond.