Temple Church

Temple Church, London - King Richard I

King Richard I, conquered Cyprus and got married in Limassol on 12th May 1191, at the Chapel of St George. He sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar.

The Knights Templar established their new headquarters in London in 1184 (during Richard’s reign), they were wealthy and fierce fighters and politically influential throughout Europe - they would protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land (Crusades).

Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar and is one of the oldest churches in London with beautiful stained-glass windows, it was consecrated in 1185 by Heraclius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and was modelled on the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem; it is popular today because of the Da Vinci Code novel. The church is full of interesting history as well as tombs of Knights. 

Nearest underground is Temple (Circle and District Lines) it is in Fare Zone 1. It is a 5-minute walk from the tube station.  
 

Blackfriars tube station is about a 10-minute walk to the church (Circle and District Lines). 

The church is set within a courtyard (follow signs) down a small alley (just off Fleet Street).

Admission fee of £5.00. Best to visit Monday-Friday 10.00 - 4.00 pm (at the weekend the main entrance to the Temple is closed).  It is a house of worship, holds services and concerts. Check if it is open before visiting.