London is a treasure trove of Templar locations, each site evoking a piece of the ancient past. From the solemn splendour of Temple Church to the dark histories of Smithfield, these locations allow visitors to touch the mysterious and somewhat mythologized history of the Knights Templar.
Who were the Knights Templar?
The Knights Templar, London’s medieval elite soldiers, are steeped in mystery and lore. Originally formed in 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land, the Templars soon evolved into a powerhouse of wealth and influence. In London, they left behind an intriguing legacy of landmarks and relics, some tucked away in historic nooks and others standing proudly as reminders of their past power.
The Templar Powerhouse: Temple Church
If you’re a Templar history buff, Temple Church is a must-see. Nestled between Fleet Street and the River Thames, this 12th-century marvel was the Knights Templar’s English headquarters. Built to resemble Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it has an iconic circular nave—an architectural nod to its Middle Eastern roots. Inside, you’ll find eerie effigies of Templar knights lying in eternal slumber on the floor, including a famous figure, William Marshal, England’s revered medieval knight. With its medieval stonework, stained glass, and vaults that whisper tales of Templar rituals, Temple Church immerses visitors in a world of ancient chivalry and spiritual devotion.
Templar Streets: Fleet Street and the Inns of Court
Venturing from Temple Church, take a stroll along Fleet Street, once the heart of London’s newspaper industry but historically tied to the Templars as well. The area around Fleet Street is also home to the Inns of Court—Inner Temple and Middle Temple—founded on land once owned by the Templars. These Inns of Court have a monastic feel, with their gardens, libraries, and ancient halls, making them feel like a step back to the Templar era. While they’ve morphed into prestigious legal societies, the buildings still bear medieval flourishes, and their cloistered courtyards are open to visitors who crave a quiet, history-steeped experience.
Lincoln’s Inn and the Hidden Templar Chapel
Just a stone’s throw from Fleet Street is Lincoln’s Inn, another historic center of London’s legal world. While Lincoln’s Inn is not strictly a Templar site, it holds an old chapel dating back to the 13th century, when Templar influence was still in full swing. This chapel is rumored to be built with Templar funds, and its beautiful stained glass and architecture evoke the spirit of the Middle Ages. You’ll be captivated by its cloisters and historic tombstones, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a choir performance that feels wonderfully anachronistic in such a space.
The Temple Bar Gateway
After wandering through the hallowed Inns, it’s time to visit the Temple Bar gateway, an iconic symbol of Templar legacy. This historic stone arch, which originally marked the boundary between London and Westminster, was designed by Christopher Wren in the 17th century. The gateway, moved several times, now stands near St. Paul’s Cathedral and represents the Templars’ control over this area centuries ago. The gateway is adorned with statues and coats of arms, and standing beneath it is like crossing a threshold back into medieval London.
Smithfield and Templar Trials
A grimmer chapter of Templar history lies at Smithfield, the historic market and execution ground. When King Philip IV of France ordered the dissolution of the Templars in 1307, accusing them of heresy, many Templars were arrested and tried in London. Smithfield was a place of trial, and many Templars faced execution here. Now a bustling meat market, Smithfield’s cobbled streets and gothic atmosphere carry an echo of these dark days. Nearby, St. Bartholomew-the-Great Church, a hauntingly beautiful Norman church, may have served as a witness to these events and is well worth a visit for those who want to walk in the shadows of Templar history.
Modern Echoes of the Templar Legend
The Knights Templar may have dissolved, but their influence lingers on in popular culture. Recent shows and films have revived fascination with these medieval warrior monks, making Templar lore a mainstay of books, TV, and movies. The Da Vinci Code even featured Temple Church, sparking a modern pilgrimage of tourists and conspiracy theorists alike.
A Final Stop: The Mysterious Secrets of the Templar Pub
A day of Templar exploration isn’t complete without a stop at The Knights Templar pub on Chancery Lane. This cozy pub, with its medieval décor and Templar-themed interiors, lets visitors sip a pint while surrounded by tributes to the order. It’s a cheeky nod to the Templars’ London legacy, with shields, stone pillars, and an air of mystery—plus a side of British pub food. Whether you’re a Templar aficionado or just in it for the novelty, it’s a fitting end to a day tracing London’s most secretive soldiers.
For history buffs, London is a treasure trove of Templar locations, each site evoking a piece of the ancient past. From the solemn splendor of Temple Church to the dark histories of Smithfield, these locations allow visitors to touch the mysterious and somewhat mythologized history of the Knights Templar. So grab your map and let the Templar trail lead you through some of London’s most fascinating historic landmarks!