CHAPTER XIV.

THE TEMPLE.

The Temple Garden--The erection of new buildings in the Temple--The dissolution of the order of the Hospital of Saint John--The law societies become lessees of the crown--The erection of the magnificent Middle Temple Hall--The conversion of the old hall into chambers--The grant of the inheritance of the Temple to the two law societies--Their magnificent present to his Majesty--Their antient orders and customs, and antient hospitality--Their grand entertainments--Reader's feasts-- Grand Christmasses and Revels--The fox-hunt in the hall--The dispute with the Lord Mayor--The quarrel with the _custos_ of the Temple Church 373

ERRATA.

In note, page 6, _for_ infinitus, _read_ infinitis. 29, _for_ carrissime, _read_ carissime. 42, _for_ Angli, _read_ Anglia. 79, _for_ promptia, _read_ promptior. 79, _for_ principos, _read_ principes. 80, _for_ Patriarcha, _read_ patriarcham.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS.