During the course of 2020 and the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd, a number of legal bloggers started to investigate historic legal figures, including Lord Hardwicke, the 18th century Lord Chancellor. Lord Hardwicke was one of two authors of the Yorke-Talbot opinion in 1729 which was relied on by slave owners as providing legal justification for slavery for many years. The premises of Hardwicke Building, named by Lincoln’s Inn, became the name of our chambers and the building which we occupied from 1991 until 19th July 2021. Once discovered, the history of the name did not sit comfortably with our members and staff. On 29 July 2020, in a move consistent with our values as a modern organisation, we took the decision to change the name.
Our new name, Gatehouse Chambers, effective from 19 July 2021, was chosen as it signifies strength and trustworthiness as well as access to new adventures and opportunities.
- Practical ramifications following the change of name
- Barristers at Gatehouse Chambers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
- Our business name is Gatehouse Chambers Limited and we trade as Gatehouse Chambers.
- Gatehouse Chambers Limited is a company registered in England & Wales. Our company number remains 12744185.
- Registered office:
1 Lady Hale Gate
Gray’s Inn
WC1X 8BS - We can be contacted by post at the above address, by telephone at +44 (0)20 7242 2523 or by emailing enquiries@gatehouselaw.co.uk.
- Our VAT number remains 356 212 612.
- Further information
If you would like more information about any of the matters dealt with in this FAQ, then please contact Amanda Illing, CEO (00 44 (2)0 7242 2523 / amanda.illing@gatehouselaw.co.uk).