History

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 please visit the timeline.

What’s On In Summary

SunMar26
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am9:00 am

MonMar27
TueMar28
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

Bar Choral Society: Spring Concert Concert 7:00 pm8:00 pm
WedMar29
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

Memorial Evensong for Patrick Maddams Service 6:00 pm7:00 pm
ThuMar30
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

Holy Communion 1:15 pm1:45 pm
FriMar31
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
SatApr01
SunApr02
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am9:00 am

Choral Mattins for Palm Sunday Service 11:15 am12:15 pm
MonApr03
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

TueApr04
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm


WedApr05
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm


Choral Evensong for Holy Week Service 6:00 pm7:00 pm
ThuApr06
Choral Communion for Maunday Thursday Service 1:15 pm2:15 pm

FriApr07
Choral Mattins for Good Friday Service 11:15 am12:15 pm

Haydn: The Seven Last Words Concert 2:00 pm3:10 pm
SatApr08
SunApr09
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am9:00 am

Choral Communion for Easter Day Service 11:15 am12:15 pm
MonApr10
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
TueApr11
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
WedApr12
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
ThuApr13
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
FriApr14
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
SatApr15
SunApr16
MonApr17
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
TueApr18
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
WedApr19
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

Easter Carol Service Service 6:00 pm7:00 pm
ThuApr20
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm1:45 pm
FriApr21
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
SatApr22
SunApr23
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am9:00 am

Easter Carol Service Service 11:15 am12:15 pm
MonApr24
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm
TueApr25
Church Open for sightseeing 10:00 am4:00 pm