Temple Church

Temple Church is a medieval church in central London originally founded by the Knights Templar and dating from the 12th century. The building is notable for its circular nave, a form associated with Templar architecture.

The church contains medieval stone effigies and funerary monuments and combines the round nave with a later chancel and rectangular choir. The interior and effigies are principal points of interest for visitors studying medieval architecture and funerary art.

Built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, the complex later passed to the Knights Hospitaller and then to other authorities after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The church suffered damage in the Second World War and was restored in the mid 20th century.

Temple Church stands in the Temple area of central London, between Fleet Street and the Victoria Embankment, immediately adjacent to the legal district and within walking distance of the River Thames and the Royal Courts of Justice.

• Age: Consecrated in the late 12th century, the round nave is one of the few surviving circular church plans in London linked to the Knights Templar.
• Location: Located in the Temple legal district between Fleet Street and the River Thames, it sits close to the Royal Courts of Justice.

What to See #

• Round Church: The original circular nave dating to the 12th century, retaining medieval masonry and a distinctive round plan associated with the Knights Templar.
• Chancel: The later chancel and nave extension where later medieval and post-medieval additions and funerary effigies are located.