Chronicles of an Old Inn; Or, A Few Words about Gray's InnHope, Andrée
History
Chronicles of an Old Inn; Or, A Few Words about Gray's Inn
Hope, Andrée
Gray's Inn; Inns of Court; Lawyers -- Great Britain
He was especially noted for his bitter hostility both to the Roman
Catholic party and to that of the Puritans. By each of these religious
bodies he was therefore equally hated and dreaded, and in many
instances his judgments and his actions were harsh and severe; still,
it must also be remembered that at a time when the Church of England
had to contend with many enemies, foreign as well as domestic, and
was menaced with dangers unknown to us in these days, Whitgift held
the reins of government with an able and a vigorous grasp, and to his
credit it can be said that though severe he was never cruel.
This Archbishop was much favoured by Queen Elizabeth, and did many
excellent works of charity, both establishing and assisting large
hospitals for the poor.
In the east window of the chapel at Gray's Inn may be seen the arms
of these prelates, as well as those of William Wake, Archbishop of
Canterbury in 1716. Here, also, are the escutcheons of George Morley,
Bishop of Winchester, Nathaniel Crewe, Bishop of Durham, and of Walker
King, Bishop of Rochester.
Thus we see that this venerable Society exhibits, emblazoned on her
ancient walls, the names and arms of those who, during their lives,
shed such lustre on the sheltering house in which their earliest
struggles were fought.
The children she had so much reason to be proud of honoured her in
their lives. They have gone, but in death she cherishes their memory,
and ever fondly and jealously guards their names from oblivion.
But now, farewell, pleasant old Inn, with all your glorious Past, your
glorious Present, and your glorious Future.
The student, labouring hard to master the difficulties of the
magnificent but stern profession of the Law, must often feel his heart
stir within him with emulation, when he remembers how many are the
celebrated men who have also studied diligently beneath the shelter of
these gray old walls, or who have reposed, perchance, at times beneath
the spreading branches of the grand old trees.
The gates of the Temple of Fame are open to every man, if he can but
win his way up the steep and thorny path that leads to its golden
portals.
None, however, can grapple with the difficulties of the road but the
courageous, the resolute, and the talented.
Woe to him who lingers or faints by the way. To the laggard, as to the
weakly, the shining temple becomes but a glittering mist. It is there,
but unattainable. He who falters or shrinks from the struggle can but
veil his head in grief and disappointment, as those aspirants who are
made of stronger and sterner stuff than himself pass him in the race.
Centuries roll on, generation after generation passes away; but those
who love this venerable and time-honoured Society, trust with heartfelt
affection and gratitude that there will ever be some "Chronicles of
this Old Inn."
CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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