It is with the deepest sorrow that Chambers has to announce the death of Master Walter Aylen KC, who died on 15th November 2025.
We are indebted to our Honorary Member, HHJ Warner, who has drafted this obituary.
Master Walter Aylen KC had a distinguished career. He was educated at Winchester College, where he was a Scholar, and at New College Oxford where he held a Senior Scholarship and obtained his MA and the BCL degrees. He did National Service in 1956 and 1957 serving with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He was called to the Bar at Middle Temple in 1962 (where he became a Bencher in 1991). He took silk in 1983 and was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge in 1993 and served as an Assistant and then Recorder between 1982 and 2003 (including sitting at the Central Criminal Court). He served on the Bar Council from 1994-6.
He was Head of Chambers at Hardwicke Building, Lincoln’s Inn for 9 years from June 1991 following its establishment with the amalgamation of 3 New Square and 13 Kings Bench Walk. He was associated with 15NBS Chambers when it was founded in 2003.
Those of us who knew him regarded him with respect but also with great affection. He was a deeply cultured man. His academic achievements came from an impressive intellect, but one which he wore modestly; he assumed we all shared this (even if we did not, and it was sometimes difficult to keep up as the result). He was kind, generous with his time, and entirely supportive of other members of chambers when they sought his advice and encouragement. He was man of complete integrity.
He enjoyed a long and happy marriage to the novelist Peggy Woodford, who survives him with their 3 daughters, to whom we extend our sincere condolences at their loss.
