The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, commonly known as
Gray's Inn, is one of the four
Inns of Court (professional associations for
barristers and judges) in London. To be
Called to the Bar and practise as a barrister in
England and Wales, an individual must belong to one of these Inns. Located at the intersection of
High Holborn and
Gray's Inn Road in
Central London, the Inn is both a
professional body and a provider of office accommodation (
chambers) for many barristers. It is ruled by a governing council called "Pension", made up of the Masters of the Bench (or "
Benchers"), and led by the Treasurer, who is elected to serve a three-year term. The Inn is known for its gardens, or Walks, which have existed since at least 1597.