CLIFFORD'S INN, FLEET STREET

   On the west side of Fetter Lane, north of St. Dunstan's, Fleet Street (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Without.

   One of the Inns of Chancery.

   First mention: Inn (hospitium) of Clyfford by the Church of St. Dunstan Fletestrete, 19 Ed. III. (Cal. P.R. Ed. III. 1345-8, p. 26).

   It consisted of a messuage and garden given by Ed. II. to Robert de Clifford, 10 Ed. II. (Ch. I. p.m. 10 Ed. II. (3)). It seems to have remained in the possession of the Clifford family until the 15th century (Cal. P.R. Ed. IV. 1467-77, p. 93).

   Stow says it was let by Isabel, wife of Robert Clifford, to students of the law (S. 395), and in 1345 we find it in the custody of David de Wollonere, king's clerk (Cal. P.R. Ed. III. 1345-8, p. 26).

   The freehold was acquired by the Society in the 15th century. Hall repaired and beautified between 1720-55. The gardens were railed in and planted with trees early in the 18th century (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 276).

   Now let as chambers, etc.