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

WedFeb12
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day CANCELLED Talk 11:15 am 12:15 pm

Lunchtime Organ Recital: Sebastian Johansson Concert 1:15 pm 1:45 pm

Choral Evensong for Valentines Day Service 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
ThuFeb13
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm 1:45 pm
FriFeb14
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
SatFeb15
SunFeb16
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am 9:00 am

Choral Mattins Service 11:15 am 12:15 pm
MonFeb17
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
TueFeb18
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
WedFeb19
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Lunchtime Organ Recital: Julian Thomas Concert 1:15 pm 1:45 pm

Choral Evensong Service 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
ThuFeb20
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm 1:45 pm
FriFeb21
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
SatFeb22
SunFeb23
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am 9:00 am

Choral Communion Service 11:15 am 12:15 pm
MonFeb24
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
TueFeb25
Temple Music Foundation Conert: Spring Sonata Concert 1:00 pm 2:00 pm

Temple Music Foundation Conert: Notes of Old Concert 7:30 pm 9:00 pm
WedFeb26
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Lunchtime Organ Recital: Students from Merchant Taylors School Concert 1:15 pm 1:45 pm

Choral Evensong for St David's Day Service 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
ThuFeb27
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day Talk 11:15 am 12:15 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm 2:15 pm
FriFeb28
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
SatMar01
SunMar02
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am 9:00 am

Choral Mattins Service 11:15 am 12:15 pm
MonMar03
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
TueMar04
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
WedMar05
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Lunchtime Organ Recital: James Borrie Concert 1:15 pm 1:45 pm

Choral Evensong for Ash Wednesday Service 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
ThuMar06
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm 1:45 pm
FriMar07
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
SatMar08
SunMar09
Holy Communion Service 8:30 am 9:00 am

Choral Communion Service 11:15 am 12:15 pm
MonMar10
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
TueMar11
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
WedMar12
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Lunchtime Organ Recital: Charles Andrews Concert 1:15 pm 1:45 pm

Choral Evensong Service 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
ThuMar13
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm

Holy Communion Service 1:15 pm 1:45 pm
FriMar14
Church open for sightseeing 10:00 am 4:00 pm
SatMar15