Time Team Season 16 Episode 10 Called to the Bar: Lincoln's Inn, London

In the 10th episode of the 16th season of Time Team, the team is called to the prestigious Lincoln's Inn in London. The inn has been an important part of London's legal and judicial systems for over 500 years and is home to some of the most renowned lawyers and judges in the country.

The team is joined by the inn's archivist, Robin Evans, as they set out to uncover the rich history of the site. Their goal is to shed light on the origins of Lincoln's Inn and the role it has played in shaping the legal history of England.

To start things off, the team investigates the old gatehouse which once served as the main entrance to the inn. The gatehouse was built in the early 17th century and has been altered several times over the years. The team digs up the courtyard in front of the gatehouse in search of any clues to its past.

As they sift through the layers of soil, the team finds a collection of ceramic shards and animal bones. They believe that the bones may have been thrown out by the inn's kitchens, while the shards may have come from broken plates and bowls used by the inn's residents.

In another area of the site, the team hits a roadblock when they discover a major sewer line running through their excavation area. Undeterred, the team devises a plan to work around the sewer line and continue their search for answers.

Their persistence pays off when they uncover a hidden cellar beneath one of the buildings on the site. The cellar dates back to the early 18th century and was likely used for storage by the inn's residents. The team finds a variety of artifacts in the cellar, including wine bottles, clay pipes, and a collection of buttons.

One of the most exciting discoveries of the episode comes when the team investigates the site of an old well. They find that the well was once used as a dumping ground for all sorts of debris, including pottery, leather shoes, and even an animal jawbone. The debris gives the team a glimpse into the lives and habits of the people who lived and worked at Lincoln's Inn hundreds of years ago.

Throughout the episode, the team also delves into the history of the inn and the role it has played in shaping English law. They learn about the famous legal figures who have called the inn home over the years, including Lord Denning and William Blackstone.

Overall, the team's excavation of Lincoln's Inn provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of London's oldest and most important legal institutions. The artifacts they uncover and the stories they uncover help to shed light on a little-known corner of English history.