NOTICE TO QUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22269, 23 May 1934, Page 9

NOTICE TO QUIT

HISTORIC CLIFFORD’S INN FAMOUS LONDON CORNER Clifford’s Inn, one of London’s quaintest, most historic and most peaceful corners, may shortly be demolished. Registered letters arrived at all the flats and offices there recently, giving three month’s notice to all tenants. The letter explained that the owners of Clifford’s _ Inn—the Office of Works —are proposing to “ re-develop the property,” and it is believed that modern offices and shops may take the place of the 400-year-old houses. The inn lies off Fleet street and Fetter lane. Its use by students of law dates back to 1344. The present buildings are mostly rare examples of six-teenth-century architecture. They look down on a quaint, cobbled courtyard. The arrival of the letters caused consternation. All flats and offices have been on three month's tenancies for the last twenty years, but nobody had an idea that the inn might be swept away. Mr A. E. Cox, jioeter of the inn, said: “ Some of the tenants have been here for fifty and sixty years. Others have spent a good (leal in improving their nuts. When the letters arrived there was quite an uproar. One or two of the tenants are away for the week-end and do, not yet know that they will have to leave their homes next June.” The judges, who, under Sir Matthew Hale settled the boundary disputes arising after the great fire of London, sat for the purpose in Clifford’s Inn Hall. Many famous men have lived in the inn, including Samuel Butler and George Dyer, the friend of Lamb.