Temple Church History

manager Sat, 01/19/2019 - 14:36

The Temple Church is one of the most historic and beautiful churches in London. Use the left-margin tool-bar to read its story, period by period. Here are eight hundred years of history: from the Crusaders in the 12th century, through the turmoil of the Reformation and the founding father of Anglican theology, to some of the most famous church music in London, week by week – music which we invite you to come and hear when you are next within striking distance of the Temple.

The Church was built by the Knights Templar, the order of crusading monks founded to protect pilgrims on their way to and from Jerusalem in the 12th century. The Church is in two parts: the Round and the Chancel. The Round Church was consecrated in 1185 by the patriarch of Jerusalem. It was designed to recall the holiest place in the Crusaders’ world: the circular Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is a numinous space – and has a wonderful acoustic for singing.

For more history scroll down to FOUNDATION-THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.

The Temple Church lies ‘off street’ between Fleet Street and the River Thames, in an ‘oasis’ of ancient buildings, courtyards and gardens. To make sure that you find you way to the Church, you may like to check Directions before visiting us.

The Church is generally open on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri, 10am-4pm and 2pm-4pm on Wednesdays.  We would not want you to be disappointed by finding the Church closed; if you are planning a visit, you may like to contact the Verger first, John Shearer, 020 7353 3470, verger@templechurch.com, or click here for opening times.

We hope to see you here soon!

FOUNDATION-THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

The Temple Church was consecrated in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 10 February 1185 by Heraclius, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The whole Temple community had moved from an earlier site in High Holborn, considered by the 1160s to be too confined.  The church was the chapel serving the London headquarters of the Knights Templar, and from them it took its name. The Templars – as the knights were popularly known – were soldier monks.

After the success of the First Crusade, the order was founded in Jerusalem in a building on the site of King Solomon’s temple.  Their mission was to protect pilgrims travelling to and from the Holy Land, but in order to do this they needed men and money.   For more details of the Templars and this early history of the Church, see The Round Church, 1185.

The London Temple was the Templars’ headquarters in Great Britain. The Templars’ churches were always built to a circular design to remind them of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, a round, domed building raised over the site of the sepulchre where Jesus was buried.  At first, the Templars were liked and respected.  St Bernard of Clairvaux became their patron and they gained many privileges from popes and much support from kings.

In England, King Henry II was probably present at the consecration of the church; King Henry III favoured them so much that he  wished to be buried in their church. As a consequence of this wish, the choir of the church was pulled down and a far larger  one built in its place, the choir which we now see. This was consecrated on Ascension Day 1240 in the presence of the king.  However, after Henry died it was discovered that he had altered his will, and he was buried in Westminster Abbey.