Open House Festival

The Law Society of England and Wales

legal

Lewis Vulliamy, 1827

113 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1PL

Step into a rich and fascinating history at the home of the solicitor profession with a tour of the stunning Grade II* neo-classical building, designed by Lewis Vulliamy. Witness architectural wonders including our impressive library, uncover hidden histories with an exclusive exhibition from our archives, and view the World War I memorial by Gilbert Bayes.

Getting there

Tube

Chancery Lane, Temple, Holborn

Train

Charing Cross, Blackfriars, City Thameslink

Bus

23, 26, 8, 25, 11, 15, 341, 76

Additional travel info

The nearest tube station with step-free access from train to street level is Blackfriars. Then take buses: 11, 15, 26 or 76.

Access

Facilities

Create a free visitor account to book festival tickets

Drop in activities

Sat 13 Sep

10:00–16:00

Drop in: Self-Guided Tour

Explore the Law Society at your own pace with the help of a guide booklet. Large print guides available.

Activities

Sat 13 Sep

Guided tour

11:00–11:45

Guided Tour

The tour will include insight into the rich history of the Law Society and legal profession as well as artistic and design components.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Guided tour

12:00–12:45

Guided Tour

The tour will include insight into the rich history of the Law Society and legal profession as well as artistic and design components.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Guided tour

13:00–13:45

Guided Tour

The tour will include insight into the rich history of the Law Society and legal profession as well as artistic and design components.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Guided tour

14:00–14:45

Guided Tour

The tour will include insight into the rich history of the Law Society and legal profession as well as artistic and design components.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

About

History

The Law Society’s Hall is the home of the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors of England and Wales.

We represent, promote and support around 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales. The Law Society was founded in 1825 and was granted its Royal Charter in 1845. Renowned Swiss architect, Lewis Vulliamy was appointed to lead the design of the Law Society’s Hall at 113 Chancery Lane. The Hall itself was built as part of a new era with the rise in standing of the solicitor in the early 19th century as the role became professionalised. The Law Society was first opened to its members in 1832 and is now a Grade II* listed building.

The building was extended starting in 1902, with the design by Charles Holden, who is best known for his work on many London underground stations. The extension was officially opened by King Edward VII in 1904.

The Law Society’s Hall also houses several impressive works of art, acquired over its 200-year history. These include a 13-panel frieze by Conrad Dressler, a World War One memorial by Gilbert Bayes, and tiles by the renowned ceramic artists, William de Morgan. The architect Lewis Vulliamy’s father and younger brother were royal clockmakers, and there are six Vulliamy clocks on display within the Hall.

The Law Society today

The rich history of 113 Chancery Lane is just one part of the Law Society’s heritage. 2025 marks the Law Society’s bicentenary - an opportunity to reflect on two centuries of supporting solicitors, and landmark moments for the legal profession.

To celebrate this milestone we have launched an extensive year-long programme throughout England and Wales, connecting with solicitors and members of the legal profession in their communities, listening to their voices and helping to shape the future of the profession. We have also launched a digital history exhibition, celebrating the inspiring solicitors making history. From studying law in a prisoner of war camp to the qualification of the first black solicitor, discover fascinating stories of pioneering solicitors and their impact on modern society.

Now, for the first time in over a decade, we open our doors to the public and invite you to join us at Open House 2025, as we celebrate our bicentenary.

Online presence

www.lawsociety.org.uk/about-us/bicentenary-year

www.linkedin.com/company/the-law-society-of-england-and-wales/posts/?feedView=all

www.instagram.com/the_law_society/?hl=en

Nearby

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