In loving memory of Celia Monksfield

Celia’s funeral will be held at Ipswich Crematorium on Cemetery Road, on Thursday, 17 July at 11:45am and the wake will be at The Royal George Pub Restaurant in Ipswich, which is a short distance from the crematorium. Instead of flowers, donations to Great Ormond Street Hospital are gratefully welcomed, using this link- Tribute to Celia Barnby, 1943 – 2025.

Celia Monksfield began her distinguished career as a junior clerk in Pump Court, steadily rising through the ranks to become senior clerk at Goldsmith Chambers in 1986. In 1999, she took on the role of Chambers Director in the chambers of Richard Ferguson QC. Her leadership and dedication to the profession were evident early on, and she went on to serve as Vice President of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) and as a trustee of the Barristers’ Clerks Benevolent Fund.

In 2000, Celia made history as the first female clerk to chair the IBC Conference. The conference was a resounding success, thanks to her meticulous planning, a compelling programme, and a roster of outstanding speakers, including David Calvert-Smith QC, then Director of Public Prosecutions.

Celia joined Trinity Chambers in 2002 and later moved to East Anglian Chambers in 2007. Throughout her career, she was known as a force of nature with an impeccable clerking pedigree. She ruled the roost with authority and charisma—respected by all, from junior clerks to senior counsel. Her passion for the job was unmistakable, and she took great pride in mentoring others, generously sharing her wealth of experience and the occasional tale from her early days in the Temple.

Celia retired from Chambers in 2014 to enjoy more time with her husband Alan.  She will be missed by many.

David Goddard, IBC Life President and Alison Scanes, Matrix Chambers