London: Temple Church
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 16:00 (subject to legal term and services). Saturday - Sunday: Services only, occasional public access
The Vibe:Knights Templar secrets in the legal quarter.
Built by the Knights Templar in 1185, this medieval round church sits tucked between the Inner and Middle Temple legal chambers off Fleet Street. Its circular nave was modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Stone effigies of armoured knights lie on the cold floor; the low chancel rises beyond the round nave. Outside, barristers in dark suits hurry across the courtyards; Temple Gardens stretch beyond the walls.
- • One of only four medieval round churches in England, modelled on Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre
- • Built by the Knights Templar in 1185 as their London headquarters
- • Features prominently in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code
- • Houses nine stone effigies of medieval knights, the finest in Britain
Persona Fit
- 👨👩👧 Families: Knight effigies and Templar history engage older children
- 💕 Couples: Hidden alley approach and atmospheric interior make for a memorable stop
- 👵 Seniors: Step-free through main nave; compact visit manageable
- 📸 Photographers: Round nave with knight effigies is one of London's best interior compositions
Highlights
- The Round Church — 12th-century circular nave built in imitation of the Holy Sepulchre
- Nine knight effigies — reclining stone figures of Templars on the round nave floor
- The Chancel — 13th-century choir and sanctuary added when Templars outgrew the round
- Templar cross motifs — original medieval symbols in stone and stained glass
- Temple courtyards — Inner and Middle Temple legal chambers surrounding the church
- Private Temple Gardens — occasional public openings, rarely crowded — Hidden Gem
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Sarah Riches
Our London Local Expert
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