Are you planning a trip to London and wondering if you can visit the Temple Church? Well, the answer is yes! The Temple Church in London is open to the public and it’s definitely worth a visit for its rich history and unique architecture.
What is the Temple Church?
The Temple Church is a historic church located in the heart of London, between Fleet Street and the River Thames. It was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century as their English headquarters. The church has a circular nave which was inspired by the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
History of the Temple Church
The Knights Templar were a powerful religious order during medieval times. They were known for their military prowess and their role as protectors of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem.
In 1128, they were granted land near the River Thames by King Henry II, where they established their English headquarters. The Temple Church was built on this land between 1160 and 1185.
During its long history, the church has been home to many notable events. King John held court within its walls in 1213, while Oliver Cromwell used it as stables during the English Civil War. In recent times, it gained worldwide fame as one of the locations featured in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code”.
Architecture of the Temple Church
The circular nave of the church is its most distinctive feature. It was designed to resemble the shape of Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre and consists of two concentric circles supported by columns. The outer circle features twelve pillars representing Jesus’ apostles, while eight pillars support an inner circle which symbolizes Jesus’ disciples.
The church also features several impressive tombs including those of William Marshall, a famous knight who served under Henry II, and Sir John Beauchamp who fought at the Battle of Crecy in 1346.
Visiting the Temple Church
The Temple Church is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, and entry is free. However, it’s important to note that the church is still an active place of worship and may be closed to visitors during services or private events.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the church or explore it on their own. The knowledgeable guides provide a wealth of information about the history and architecture of the church.
In Conclusion
The Temple Church is a fascinating piece of London’s history and well worth a visit. Its unique circular nave and impressive tombs make it one of London’s most interesting churches. So if you’re planning a trip to London, make sure you add the Temple Church to your itinerary!
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