Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Lincoln's Inn Fields is a notable and historic square in the City of Westminster, located in central London. The name refers both to the expansive public park—the largest garden square in the capital—and the perimeter road that encircles it. Nestled in the legal heart of the West End, it is bordered by notable thoroughfares and reached via Remnant Street, Sardinia Street, and Serle Street.
Overview and Surroundings
The road of Lincoln's Inn Fields forms a complete rectangle around the green, passing by several historic and modern buildings. The northern edge borders the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), while to the south sits the Royal College of Surgeons. The area is well-connected, with Holborn Station to the north, Chancery Lane Station to the east, and Temple Station to the south, offering access to multiple London Underground lines.
The square is framed by a mixture of grand Georgian terraces, legal chambers, academic institutions, and cultural venues. Nearby streets include Drury Lane, Long Acre, Portugal Street, and Carey Street.
History and Origins
Lincoln's Inn Fields has medieval origins, dating back to the 12th century when it was part of open pastureland. It began to take its modern form in the early 17th century under the vision of developer William Newton. The square was officially laid out by architect Inigo Jones in the 1630s, though significant development continued into the 18th century. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a planned residential square in London.
The name “Lincoln's Inn Fields” derives from the nearby Lincoln's Inn, one of the four Inns of Court. The pronunciation is /ˈlɪŋkənz ɪn fiːldz/—spelled as LIN-kənz Inn Fields. Lincoln's Inn itself is named after Henry de Lacy, the 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who owned property in the area in the 13th century.
Points of Interest
There is no shortage of interesting sights in and around Lincoln's Inn Fields:
- Sir John Soane's Museum – Located at No. 13, this museum was once the home of neo-classical architect Sir John Soane. It houses his extensive collections and is open to the public for free.
- Royal College of Surgeons – At the south side of the square, the College houses the Hunterian Museum, which displays fascinating anatomical specimens and surgical instruments.
- London School of Economics (LSE) – Several LSE buildings front the square, contributing to its vibrant and intellectual atmosphere.
- Lincoln's Inn – Just to the east of the square, this historic institution is home to numerous barristers' chambers and legal landmarks, including the 15th-century Chapel and Old Hall.
Property and Real Estate
Lincoln's Inn Fields is a prime residential and commercial location. As of early 2025, prices for residential properties around the square reflect its prestige and heritage value. A typical two-bedroom apartment of approximately 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) can sell for between £1.8 million and £2.5 million, depending on condition and building heritage. Rental rates for the same property range from £5,500 to £7,000 per month.
Larger apartments and townhouses—some exceeding 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m)—can command prices upwards of £5 million. These properties are rare and often incorporate listed building elements with modern luxury finishes.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
The square is well-served by several London Underground Stations:
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) – approximately 5 minutes' walk northwest.
- Chancery Lane Station (Central line) – about 7 minutes to the northeast.
- Temple Station (District and Circle lines) – roughly 10 minutes to the south.
Bus Routes
Several London bus routes run near Lincoln's Inn Fields, with stops along Kingsway, High Holborn, and Aldwych. Routes 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188 are common choices for reaching central and southern parts of London.
Fun Fact
Lincoln's Inn Fields was once the site of public executions. One of the most famous was that of Lord William Russell, who was beheaded there in 1683 for allegedly plotting against King Charles II. Today, the square is a serene and leafy retreat, but its dramatic history is still remembered through plaques and historical references.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Named After: Lincoln's Inn, associated with the Earl of Lincoln
- Pronunciation: LIN-kənz Inn Fields (/ˈlɪŋkənz ɪn fiːldz/)
- Type: Public garden square and surrounding road
- Nearby Streets: Remnant Street, Sardinia Street, Serle Street, Drury Lane, Long Acre
- Key Sights: Sir John Soane's Museum, Royal College of Surgeons, LSE
- Real Estate: £1.8–£5 million (as of 2025); £5,500–£7,000/month rent
- Nearest Underground Stations: Holborn, Chancery Lane, Temple
- Bus Routes: 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188
- Historic Use: Site of public executions in the 17th century
References
- British History Online – Lincoln's Inn Fields
- Sir John Soane's Museum Official Website
- Rightmove Property Listings (accessed June 2025)
Map of Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Painting of Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Page Details
This page was created on 15 June 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
New to London and need a place to live? Read our Renting A Flat Guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a flat in London, from viewing to signing.Streets of London
Come, let's explore and discover the streets of London together! Listed here afre the Streets of London that I have documented. Dive in and discover!Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
