Temple Church in London was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar order to be their headquarters in Britain.

The nave, also called the Round Church, was constructed according to tradition in the style of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. This round area is 55 feet in diameter, and is adjoined by another rectangular area called the Chancel. The original compound contained a monastery, residences, recreation areas, and military training areas.

The Knights Templar was a very wealthy and powerful force at the time, and their independent ways may have led to their eventual destruction.

In 1307, the Crown abolished the Templar order and seized the church. It was eventually given to the Knights Hospitaller who leased the property to two colleges of lawyers, these colleges evolved into the Inner and Middle Temples, two Inns of Court who are active parts of the modern church.

In 1540 Henry VII abolished the Knights Hospitaller and seized their properties, and in 1608 James I allowed the Inner and Middle Temples permanent use of the church as long as they maintained and supported it, which continues to this day.

The church was not damaged in the Great Fire of 1666, but was updated by Sir Christopher Wren in the aftermath nonetheless. However, it was damaged during the bombings of the Second World War and was restored by architect Walter Godfrey.

Temple Church was historically used in the secret initiation ceremonies for the Knights Templar; be sure to see the tombs of knights in effigy in the nave. These days, it is an Anglican church that serves members of the Inner and Middle Temple with regular church service, weddings, and baptisms. The church is a bit of an oddity in that is falls under the jurisdiction of the Crown, not the Bishop of London.

Temple Church was featured in Dan Brown’s book “The Da Vinci Code” and was a location for the film. The church has offered lunchtime talks about the history of the Knights Templar and the church’s role in the book.

The church also has regular performances by their choir as well as organ recitals.

Temple Church in London offers in interesting look at a little known and often misunderstood part of British history.

Visiting Temple Church

Fleet Street, Holborn, EC4Y 7HL

Telephone: 020 7353 3470

Email verger@templechurch.com

Photo courtesy: stevecadman

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