Why Is Temple in London Called Temple?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever wondered why the area in London near the River Thames is called Temple? Well, there’s actually a fascinating history behind the name.

History of Temple

The area known as Temple gets its name from the Knights Templar, a medieval religious order that was founded in the 12th century. The Knights Templar were a group of warrior-monks who initially formed to protect pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem during the Crusades.

The Knights Templar in London

In 1184, the Knights Templar established their headquarters in London on a piece of land between Fleet Street and the River Thames. This land was originally owned by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, another religious order that also had a presence in London.

The Knights Templar built a church on their new property, which they named “The Temple” after Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. This church was consecrated by Heraclius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and became known as “The Church of The Holy Sepulchre”.

The Legal District

Over time, The Temple became more than just a religious site. It also became a hub for lawyers and legal professionals due to its close proximity to Westminster Palace and the Royal Courts of Justice.

Today, The Temple is home to two Inns of Court – Inner Temple and Middle Temple – both of which are professional associations for barristers in England and Wales. The Inns offer education and training for aspiring barristers and provide accommodation for practising barristers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Temple in London gets its name from the Knights Templar who established their headquarters there in the 12th century. While it started as a religious site with a church named after Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, it has since become an important legal district with two Inns of Court located there.

Next time you’re in London, make sure to visit The Temple and appreciate the rich history and significance of the area.