The History and Antiquities of London, Westminster, Southwark, and Parts Adjacent, vol. 4
Allen, Thomas
1827
Clement's Inn.
This appears to have been, from an early period, of the most eminent of the minor schools of law, or inns of Chancery. There are traces of its existence as far back as . It is supposed to have derived its name from a spring of water in the vicinity, called well, now covered with a pump, which had of old the reputation of curing a variety of disorders, and was much resorted to by the credulous. The society of this inn is governed by a principal and ancients. The hall is built of red brick, and is situated on the south side of the principal court. Above the door is inscribed-- On the cornice is a shield, with an anchor, and beneath it is inscribed-- The interior is ornamented with a good portrait of sir Matthew Hale and several others, names not known. In the centre of the | |
412 | garden there is a statue of a naked Moor, supporting a sun-dial which was presented to the society by Holles, lord Clare, from whose family they derive their title to the inn and its appurtenances. The figure is extremely well sculptured, but the position of it has bean censured as constantly exciting for According to the same standard of criticism, people should be melted to tears at seeing Old Father Thames exposed night and day in the court of Somerset-house, alike unsheltered from the wintry winds and summer heats. The Moor, like the god of the river, is but an allegorical personage; and many a worse allegory is to be seen in London, than a child of the sun supporting a sun-dial. |
The ARMS of CLEMENT'S INN are ar. an anchor crest without a stock proper, environed in the centre with the letter C or. | |
Footnotes: [] Percy Hist. ii. p. 168. |
