Temple Church, London – A Legacy Carved in Stone and Faith
Tucked within the ancient legal district of London stands Temple Church — a rare and sacred relic of the original Knights Templar. Founded in 1185 by the Order as their English headquarters, Temple Church remains one of the most iconic and enduring Templar structures in the world.
Its circular nave, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, was designed to mirror the spiritual heart of Christendom. Here, Knights of the Temple would pray, take sacred vows and be laid to rest — several of their effigies still lie beneath the church floor, reminding visitors of a time when faith, courage and chivalry walked hand-in-hand.
The Church was not only a spiritual center but a powerful financial and administrative hub. The Templars, entrusted by kings and popes alike, became custodians of treasure, land and even royal secrets. Within these very walls, England’s affairs of Church and Crown were once safeguarded.
After the Templar suppression in 1312, the church passed to the Knights Hospitaller and eventually into the care of the Inner and Middle Temples, two of London’s prestigious legal societies. Today, Temple Church remains an active house of worship, steeped in liturgical beauty and Templar legacy.
The Modern Knights Templar in the UK often look to Temple Church as a site of profound inspiration — a living symbol of the enduring spiritual mission of the Order. It continues to serve as a bridge between past and present, reminding us that chivalry, truth and service to God remain eternal.
