Blessed be the judges! Senior members of the judiciary mark the start of a new legal year at special Westminster Abbey service
- The much-decorated service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall
- The candid pictures show swathes of judges meandering through the Abbey’s famous cloisters and grounds
- Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges and Circuit judges gathered in the 928-year-old abbey
These behind the scenes pictures show the annual Judges Service, which was held at Westminster Abbey, in all its pomp and ceremony.
The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding: ‘At the beginning of the legal year, we gather in the presence of almighty God, who is the judge of all and who knows the secrets of our hearts, to renew our commitment to the service of the Crown and of all the people in the cause of justice.’
The candid pictures show swathes of judges meandering through the Abbey’s famous cloisters and grounds in their ceremonial robes and headgear.
Circuit Court Judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster, London, following the annual Judge’s Service at Westminster Abbey
Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament while taking pictures on their camera phones
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Among the crowds, Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges and Circuit judges gathered in the 928-year-old abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year.
The legal year commences at the beginning of October, with a ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages in which the judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar to Westminster Abbey for a religious service, followed by a reception known as the Lord Chancellor’s breakfast, which is held in Westminster Hall.
Although in former times the judges walked the distance from Temple to Westminster, they now mostly arrive by car. The service is held by the Dean of Westminster with the reading performed by the Lord Chancellor.
The ceremony has been held continuously since the Middle Ages, with the exception of the years 1940 to 1946 because of World War II. In 1953 it was held in St Margaret’s Church because Westminster Abbey was still decorated for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Before the ceremony, two new justices were sworn in at the supreme court. Alongside Lord Kitchen, Lady Arden took her oath of office and her induction signals the checkpoint that a quarter of supreme court judges are women.
Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges and Circuit judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
The 12-member supreme court bench president, Lady Hale, welcomed Lady Arden warmly, fondly recollecting their friendship in their student days.
Lady Arden grew up in Liverpool and studied law at Cambridge University while Kitchin, an expert in intellectual property law, studied natural sciences at Cambridge.
Both sat in the court of appeal before today’s appointments.
New Justices’ of the UK Supreme Court, Lady Mary Arden and Lord David Kitchin outside the UK Supreme Court
Judge in retro sunglasses walks to the Houses of Parliament after attending the annual Judges Service at Westminster Abbey
Circuit Court Judges arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
Members of the judiciary arrive for the annual Judge’s Service at Westminster Abbey, which marks the start of the new legal year, the judges mark the occasion with a picture
High Court Judges leave Westminster Abbey after the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
The annual service to mark the start of the legal year takes place in Westminster Abbey today
Circuit Court Judges arrive in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
High Court Judges gather in Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year
LEADING LAWYER WITH A PENCHANT FOR MAGIC BECOMES TOP FAMILY COURT JUDGE
Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division of the High Court – he has a penchant for magic tricks
A 64-year-old lawyer who owns a donkey and performs magic tricks has officially become the most senior family court judge in England and Wales.
Sir Andrew McFarlane, who was educated at Durham University and worked as a barrister in Birmingham, was sworn in as President of the Family Division of the High Court on Monday.
He replaces Sir James Munby who retired during the summer.
Lawyers and judges paid tribute to Sir Andrew, and told of his interests, during a ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
One barrister told how Sir Andrew performed as a magician at children’s parties.
A judge told how a section headed ‘personal life’ on Sir Andrew’s Wikipedia page made no reference to his family but noted that he was ‘known to have a pet donkey’.
Lawyers heard that an article in a legal magazine had earlier this year said the donkey was ‘much in demand at Christmas Nativity services’ where he was ‘closely followed by the distinguished judge bearing a pooper-scooper’.
Circuit Court Judges arrive for today’s ceremony through the famous cloisters of Westminster Abbey
Members of the judiciary brace the elements as they arrive for the annual Judge’s Service in their ceremonial gear
The legal year commences at the beginning of October, with a ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages in which the judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary David Gauke (right) arrives for the annual Judge’s Service at Westminster Abbey
A judge has his robes adjusted as members of the judiciary arrive for the annual Judge’s Service at Westminster Abbey
Although in former times the judges walked the distance from Temple to Westminster, they now mostly arrive by car
Supreme Court Judges, including newly instated Lady Mary Arden and Lord David Kichen, pose for a group photo outside the Supreme Court before the ceremony
Members of the judiciary process to the Houses of Parliament after the ceremony in the 928-year-old Westminster Abbey
MP David Gauke, (centre) Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor leaves Westminster Abbey after the service
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall (centre) leads the service to mark the start of the legal year
High Court Judges file into Westminster Abbey ahead of the annual service to mark the start of the legal year today
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