Temple Church image

Temple Church

Tourist attraction Church Attraction

Church of England church built by the Knights Templar & made famous by the author Dan Brown. People often mention church, history, Templar, Knights, Temple, visit, London, worth, Church, information,


Address

Temple, London EC4Y 7BB, United Kingdom

Website

www.templechurch.com

Contact

+44 20 7353 8559

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (44) history (31) Templar (17) Knights (15) Temple (15) visit (15) London (12) worth (11) Church (8) information (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 C J G. 2 years ago on Google
    Famous church built by the Knights Templar. The area around the Temple Church is known as the Temple. Temple Bar, an ornamental processional gateway, formerly stood in the middle of Fleet Street. Nearby is the Temple Underground station. The River Thames is only a 5 min walk away. There are also bars and restaurants close by in Fleet Street. In the mid-12th century, before the construction of the church, the Knights Templar in London had met at a site in High Holborn in a structure originally established by Hugues de Payens (the site had been historically the location of a Roman temple in Londinium, now known as London). Because of the rapid growth of the order, by the 1160s the site had become too confined, and the order purchased the current site for the establishment of a larger monastic complex as their headquarters in England. In addition to the church, the new compound originally contained residences, military training facilities, and recreational grounds for the military brethren and novices, who were not permitted to go into the City without the permission of the Master of the Temple. The church building comprises two separate sections: The original circular church building, called the Round Church and now acting as a nave, and a later rectangular section adjoining on the east side, built approximately half a century later, forming the chancel.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex K. 2 years ago on Google
    A stunning church with 800 years of history. Spent a couple of hours there and really enjoyed it. (free autumn organ recitals at 1pm Wednesdays).
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony C. 1 year ago on Google
    So very happy that I found the Temple Church. If you are any sort of history Buff, this is a must visit. I am a hugh Templar fan and visiting this site is like the Holy Mecca for the Templar Knights. There is just a ton of history embedded in this church. There are plenty of plagues where you can read about their history. The sect that introduced our banking system and the Magna Carta was written, dating back to 1215. The casts of the Knights are just amazing to view. Even with William Marshall buried here. Still being an active church, make sure to check their site when you can visit, I was lucky enough to get in on a Friday, before they we're closed to visitors for a few weeks. Wore my Templar hoodie which the ladies working noticed and geeked out about. The place is beautiful and seeing the old bibles and hymn books that are still used. There is a balcony you can look down on the casts as well. Hidden in the middle of new buildings, you just wouldn't wonder upon it, kind of in the center of a square of buildings around. They also had some pretty gardens outside as well. I must visit, even for a few minutes!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 brian c. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church steeped in history and mystery. Well worth a visit if you have an interest in the Knights Templar and the many mysteries associated with them. Lots of information inside about the history of the church , there are also guide books on hand to purchase . Lovely place , as with most churches ,very peaceful. So if you want to escape the city for an hour , serenity awaits you in Temple Church.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benedicta S. 4 years ago on Google
    All that is left of the church is ruins, but some its history has been preserved and together with the park, they make for a brilliant afternoon of relaxation with family and friends. Or if you're just looking to have some alone time. Highly recommended... make sure to find and press the button for some authentic English folk music.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paula B. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting, beautiful place with a lot of history! Chap/ guide on the door very helpful, full of knowledge interesting man... thank you... if your interested in The Knights Templar & connections to The Magna Carta 🏰
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a real gem. Had never visited before. Wonderful building steeped in history. Bought a CD of the choir which is very good, just disappointed that we couldn't get back for Evensong, another time maybe. We'll worth the visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordi A. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible church! Old, nice and original. The round part of the church is amazing, not only for its beauty but for the efigies of the templar knights and its old history, very well explained on the panels. A must see, as well as the temple inn of courts around the church! Don't forget to climb the stairs to the upper floor!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Manny 2 years ago on Google
    Had a brilliant Time with my son at the temple yesterday. The extremely nice gentleman at the desk was super knowledgeable about the place and was answering very happily to all questions asked. Recommend it highly .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris B. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church with some amazing history. It's not a typical tourist location and is off the main paths, so you'll have to search it out. But we'll worth the effort if you love Medieval history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mick P. 1 year ago on Google
    I arrived at the right time to listen to a talk on the history of the church, the Templars, the Magna Carta, and the De Vinci Code. Delivered by the Master of the Temple, I was spellbound with his presentation. The church itself was bombed in WW2, and has been rebuilt in the 50s. If you miss the talk, then the history is explained in panels around the church There is access to the upstairs gallery, for that birds eye view .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice church with lots of history. Home for the knights Templar. Had some good information plaques. Was quite a quiet place which was a nice change for London.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew L. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful churches in all of London. You really need to put this on your touring list.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bogdan M. 6 months ago on Google
    The Temple Church is an 850-year-old church steeped in the history of Christianity. The Magna Carta was signed in this temple. The beginnings of the Templar Church date back to the late 12th century when it was built by the Knights Templar and as such is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in London. The exceptional acoustics repeatedly invite a wide variety of musicians to record and create great works here. Among others, Geogfrey de Mandewille is buried here. Several inserts were also recorded in this church and used in films.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ian D. 1 year ago on Google
    An interesting place to visit. This is the original church built by the knights Templar and although it was gutted during the blitz and then restored, the are still several ancient artifacts. The upper level is also now open to the public. Admission is £5.00 for tourists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ninh L. 5 months ago on Google
    ICONIC & HISTORIC There are other more famous churches in London, yes. But probably the most historic of them all is this one: Temple Church. It’s fascinating to learn about the Templar Knights, the Magna Carta and the American Declaration of Independence here. This coupled with the famous effigies of the Templar Knights, the Round Church and the Royal Box and Organ. If you want a quieter tourist attraction that only costs £5 to enter, this fits the bill. I don’t think you can spend an hour here, but it's certainly worth the price of admission.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron a L. 8 months ago on Google
    Interesting history behind one of Londons oldest churches - only £5 entry per adult and you can spend 45-90mins inside easily. The church was pivotal in the early makings of the Magna Carter, Declaration of Independence and UN Human Rights Act. Well worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lorena Oberg (Lorena Oberg S. 3 months ago on Google New
    The churchs has an entrance price of £5 for adults, well worth it in my oppinion. This is a working church with 11 am Sunday service and Wednesday 6pm Evesong. The church is well laid out with historic information well presented. It's a beautiful place, in the City but hidden away.

  • 5/5 Richard P. 10 months ago on Google
    A tranquil centre of our British and American history. So much significance. I've learnt a lot about key moments from the past that impact us every day. Will love to get back here for a service too. Super value too.

  • 5/5 Carolyn J. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church and you wouldn't believe you were in the heart of London, so quiet and peaceful. Didn't go inside as it had closed but will go again.

  • 5/5 Ballin P. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful historical headquarters of the Templar Knights, DEFINITELY worth the money

  • 5/5 Odinaldo R. 11 months ago on Google
    Great little church just off fleet street, with a rich history central to London. There is always opportunity to catch some lovely music in its lovely concerts. Especially nice at Christmas time.

  • 5/5 Kumudu S. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing history about Knights Templers! Haven't seen so many Knights Templars burried in one place before! It was really interesting to find out King Henry II's and King John's funeral effigies loaned by V&A museum lying here. Lots of information about the Magna Carter all around the church. There are only two round churches representing the Holy Sepulchre in England. This is one of them and the other is in Cambridge.

  • 5/5 r. a. S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite places in London. Very peaceful church, loaded with history and filled with a powerful organ music. People are also lovely!!!

  • 5/5 Idabelle C. 5 months ago on Google
    It's an amazing burst of history! The Temple church was worth the walk from Temple station. The building is lovingly maintained and the tie between the church and the advancement of the legal profession is fascinating. Definitely go see it and puck up the guide book for added color and details!

  • 5/5 wanda s. 5 months ago on Google
    What a gem of a place this is. Such a beautiful church and so much history. We went on a Friday but check website as closed on certain days. So cheap to go in and we listened to an amusing and engaging talk on the history of the church, the Templar Knights and The Da Vincent Code. I would recommend trying to get to one of these- information is on the website.The triforium that you can climb too is wonderful with its fabulous floor tiles and views from above. The grave and effigy of William Marshal is there - The greatest knight that ever lived.' Toilets are within the building. Also it has a great selection of books and stained glass sheets to buy. Will definitely be back and time it so we can hear the choir.

  • 4/5 Julie M. 6 months ago on Google
    An interesting historic church with great information panels . Great examples of knight effigy tombs, soaring marble columns and fantastic grotesque gargoyles. Don't miss the amazing Great Norman Doorway.

  • 5/5 Karen B. 7 months ago on Google
    I visited here during Lobdon Open Housr. This church, is tucked away amongst the Inns of Court, but is a very interesting place to visit.

  • 3/5 Craig M. 4 months ago on Google
    Interesting place. Great stained glass, not much to see, though, for the entry cost.

  • 5/5 Nigel L. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful building for a general visit or for one of the excellent concerts held there.

  • 5/5 dave c. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place - quiet in the heart of bustling city - worth the visit !

  • 5/5 Alan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great day out with a visit to Englands greatest knight

  • 5/5 Keith P. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful prayer filled place

  • 5/5 Drachetoeter 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome Place 🥰!

  • 5/5 Julie K. 2 years ago on Google
    Couldn't get in but it was a great place to find , very quiet just off the busy road

  • 5/5 A T. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and interesting church. Definitely worth a visit if you are near this part of town. Have a walk through the Inns to Inner Temple Garden while you are there.

  • 5/5 alan h. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite a fascinating place, the fact it was consecrated in 1185 means its dripping in history. Most definitely worth a visit

  • 5/5 Elias F. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the 4 ancient rounded churches in the UK, this is perhaps the most important. If you are interested in Templar spirituality, you cannot miss this landmark

  • 5/5 Tim K. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting church in a quiet spot just off the Strand/Alwych area. Still being visited by plenty of Da Vinci Code conspiritors.

  • 5/5 Shaun T. 2 years ago on Google
    Jerusalem in London. You can FEEL the millennia of history

  • 5/5 Clive G. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely awesome... such a remarkable church ... with Tombs /Effigies of William Marshall and Knights and King John And King Henry the 3rd.. Also grand Organ which is played at concerts and services

  • 5/5 Hannah's Adventures in N. 2 years ago on Google
    Temple church. William Marshall. Need I say more!? A building absolutely full to the brim with history. A must visit (if medieval history is your thing at least) the staff were polite and helpful, when I visited it was very quiet and so I could read all the information boards and spend some time in quiet contemplation.

  • 4/5 Richard 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff at a church with so much history. It's not open for long, or many days a week, so check the website first

  • 4/5 Michael Spring (. 1 year ago on Google
    Dates back to the 11th century. Home of the Knights Templar, a weird bunch who wanted to conquer Jerusalem. Effigies of the deceased top brass are all around. In the Inns of Court which is a lovely area.

  • 5/5 Steve W. 1 year ago on Google
    Real history in a part of London few people go to, visit this place it is brilliant.

  • 5/5 Pete H. 1 year ago on Google
    A 12th century church with lots of interesting history and architectural details. Temple church is a bit off the beaten tourist path and therefore the quietest historical site that I have ever visited in London (Apsley House being second). It is set back behind other buildings and not visible from the main streets. On this day there were approximately 5 people in the church when I arrived around 11:30. The church is not big and should take no more than an hour to tour unless you stop and read every bit of historical information that is on display. Be sure to carefully head upstairs for a view from above. The stairs are marked on the self guided tour map the receptionist gives you upon entry. There is a small £5 entry fee.


Call +44 20 7353 8559 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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