Temple Church

What happens when warrior monks build a church? London’s medieval Templar sanctuary awaits

Temple Church is a captivating time capsule of medieval history tucked away in the heart of London’s legal district. If you’re fascinated by the Knights Templar, medieval architecture, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems away from the tourist crowds, this remarkable 12th-century Templar site in London offers a serene escape into a world of history, intrigue, and architectural splendor that few visitors ever discover.

Highlights

• Wander through the distinctive Round Church, inspired by Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where knights once prayed before embarking on crusades.
• Examine the ancient stone effigies of medieval knights, including the legendary William Marshal, “the greatest knight who ever lived.”
• Attend a magnificent choral service accompanied by the church’s impressive Harrison & Harrison organ in a space renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Tickets & Prices

Entry to Temple Church requires a modest admission fee for sightseeing visitors. Adults pay £5.00, while concessions are available at £3.00. Children, members of the Inns, and Inns’ and Chambers’ staff with their guests enjoy free entry. If you’re planning to attend one of the church’s services or recitals, admission is free for all participants.

Tours

While Temple Church doesn’t offer formal guided tours, visitors can gain fascinating insights into its history by attending the weekly Friday historical talk titled “The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day.” This informative session runs from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM and is included in your sightseeing admission fee.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the church’s architecture and historical significance, this talk provides valuable context about the church’s evolution from a Templar headquarters to its current status as a working church serving London’s legal community.

Opening Hours

Temple Church is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but remains closed to the public on weekends except for services. It also occasionally closes for special events, legal ceremonies, and public holidays throughout the year.

If you’re planning a visit during any significant religious holiday or event period, it’s advisable to check the church’s official website or contact them directly in advance, as opening hours may be subject to change for special services and ceremonies.

What to See and Do

There’s a wealth of fascinating things to do at Temple Church, from exploring its medieval architecture to experiencing its renowned musical performances. Let me guide you through this historic masterpiece.

Step Inside the Remarkable Round Church

The moment you enter Temple Church, you’re walking into a piece of living history. The Round Church, with its distinctive circular design, is what makes this place truly special. It was built to mirror the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem—at exactly half the size of the original rotunda (17m compared to Jerusalem’s 34m).

I love standing in the center of this space and looking up at the ceiling, imagining how it would have appeared in medieval times with its colorful banners and metallic ceiling panels reflecting candlelight.

What’s fascinating is that this wasn’t just a stylistic choice; the round design created exceptional acoustics for Gregorian chants. If you’re lucky enough to attend a service here, you’ll experience this sonic magic firsthand.

The architecture tells a story of East meets West—look closely at the West Door sculptures and you’ll notice turbaned figures that likely represent Muslims encountered during the Crusades. It’s a tangible connection to the church’s origins as the headquarters of warrior monks tasked with protecting pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem.

Discover the Knight Effigies and Their Stories

One of Temple Church’s most compelling features is the collection of knight effigies lying on the floor of the Round Church. These stone figures aren’t just decorative—they’re memorials to real knights, including the legendary William Marshal (1146-1219), often described as “the greatest knight who ever lived.”

Look for Marshal’s effigy, which shows fascinating traces of its original 13th-century coloring—a crimson surcoat, blue lining, gilded spurs, and facial tones. His crossed legs are traditionally interpreted as a symbol of having fought in the Crusades.

Top tip: The effigies were damaged during WWII bombing but have been carefully restored. Look for Gilbert Marshal’s effigy featuring a mailed hood and a dragon under his feet—a striking symbol of the battle between good and evil.

Experience the Church’s Exceptional Music Program

Temple Church has a rich musical tradition that continues today. The church’s acoustic properties make it an exceptional venue for sacred music. If possible, time your visit to coincide with one of the lunchtime organ recitals held on Wednesdays from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM. In May 2025, you can catch talented organists including Emmanuel Duperrey, Charles Andrews, Yarno Missiaen, and Simon Bell.

For a truly memorable experience, attend the Choral Evensong service on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, sung by either the Temple Church Choir or the Bar Choral Society. These services feature full liturgical music programs with organ preludes, psalms, canticles, and anthems by composers like Parry, Byrd, and Harris.

Throughout the year, Temple Church also hosts special concerts and musical performances. These candlelit events often feature both traditional sacred music and contemporary interpretations in the church’s remarkable acoustic setting.

Explore the Victorian Details and Restoration Work

As you walk around, pay attention to the Victorian tiles with their red and white inlay, glazed in yellow. Some feature Templar knights on horseback—a nod to the church’s origins. What’s interesting is how the surfaces were intentionally pitted to mimic aged medieval stonework, creating an authentic feel.

The post-WWII restoration work is equally fascinating. After being heavily bombed during the Blitz in May 1941, the church underwent a 17-year restoration process. Look at the stone columns—they were intentionally rebuilt at the same “wonky” angle (approximately 2.1° tilt) as the medieval originals.

Discover the Church’s Connection to the Magna Carta

Temple Church played a significant role in English history as the site of negotiations leading to the Magna Carta between 1214-1219. William Marshal, buried here, was a key figure in these negotiations that fundamentally shaped English law.

The church’s continued connection to England’s legal system is evident in its joint ownership by the Inner Temple and Middle Temple—two of the four historic Inns of Court responsible for training barristers. This makes it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the history of English law and governance.

Directions

Temple Church is conveniently located in central London between Fleet Street and the River Thames. The easiest way to reach it is via Temple Underground Station, which is served by the District and Circle lines. From the station, it’s a short five-minute walk to the church. If you’re visiting on weekdays, you can enter through the main gate on Fleet Street via Middle Temple Lane.

However, weekend visitors should note that this gate is typically closed—instead, enter through the car park on Tudor Street. When attending services on Sundays, access is via Tudor Street. The church’s central location makes it easy to incorporate into a walking tour of historic London.

Nearby Places

Middle Temple Hall: Adjacent to the church, this impressive Tudor hall is reportedly where Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” was first performed in 1602. The hall features a magnificent double hammerbeam ceiling that will make your jaw drop—look up immediately when you enter! Don’t miss the table said to be crafted from timber taken from Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hinde.

Inner Temple Garden: This historic garden is the setting for Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 1, Act 2, Scene 4, where the red and white roses were plucked, symbolizing the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. I love coming here after visiting the church—it’s one of London’s most peaceful spots to catch your breath and reflect on all the history you’ve just absorbed.

Fleet Street: Once the heart of British journalism, this historic street is lined with traditional pubs, including Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which dates back to 1667. If you’re feeling peckish after your Temple Church visit, their traditional steak and kidney pudding makes for a perfect historical lunch pairing.

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Just a short walk, Wren’s masterpiece dominates the London skyline with its iconic dome. The walk from Temple Church to St. Paul’s takes you along a route that monks and merchants have traveled for centuries—a quintessential London historical trail that I recommend to everyone.

Twinings Tea Shop: Established in 1706, this is the oldest tea shop in London, located on the Strand near Temple Bar. After exploring a Templar site in London, stopping here feels like fast-forwarding a few centuries in London’s timeline. Their Earl Grey is still my favorite post-sightseeing refreshment.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Temple Church gained renewed popularity after featuring prominently in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code” and its subsequent film adaptation, bringing Templar conspiracy theories to mainstream attention.
2. During the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, rebels stormed the Temple area, looting and burning documents and valuables from lawyers’ chambers—a targeted attack on symbols of legal authority.
3. The church’s organ was donated in 1953 by Lord Glentanar from his estate in Aberdeenshire after the original was destroyed during the Blitz.
4. The priest of Temple Church carries the title “Master of the Temple,” maintaining a direct link to the church’s Templar origins.
5. Temple Church was consecrated in 1185 by the Patriarch of Jerusalem using what was called “the keys to the city of God”—an extraordinary symbolic gesture that deliberately connected this medieval London church to the Holy Land.

History

A timeline of Temple Church’s remarkable history:

• 1162: Construction begins by the Knights Templar at their London headquarters.
• 1185: The church is consecrated by Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem.
• 1214-1219: Negotiations leading to the Magna Carta take place at Temple Church.
• 1219: William Marshal, “the greatest knight who ever lived,” is buried in the Round Church.
• 1307: The Templar Order is dissolved amid accusations of heresy, and King Edward II seizes the church, later giving it to the Order of St. John.
• 1381: The Temple area is damaged during the Peasants’ Revolt when rebels storm the grounds.
• 1602: Middle Temple Hall, adjacent to the church, reportedly hosts the first performance of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”
• 1941: Temple Church is heavily bombed during the Blitz on May 10, destroying the roof and causing extensive damage.
• 1941-1958: The church undergoes a 17-year restoration process.
• 1953: A new organ is donated by Lord Glentanar to replace the one destroyed during WWII.
• Present Day: The church functions as a Royal Peculiar (directly under the monarch’s jurisdiction) and is jointly owned by the Inner and Middle Temple Inns of Court.

FAQ

Map & Address

Temple Church, Temple, London, EC4Y 7BB United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7353 8559

Email: [email protected]