Temple, Legal district in City of London, England
Temple is a legal district in the City of London between Fleet Street and the River Thames, home to barristers' chambers, courts, and historic buildings. The area includes Temple Church alongside interconnected courtyards and lanes lined with Georgian and Victorian structures.
The Knights Templar founded this area in the 12th century and built Temple Church as their English headquarters. Following the order's decline, the site became a legal community and has served that purpose ever since.
The Temple Church remains active with services and musical performances that shape daily life for the lawyers working in nearby chambers. The area blends professional legal work with religious traditions that have defined the community for centuries.
The area can be entered through several gateways, and most buildings are accessible during business hours, with Temple Church open on many weekdays. Weekends may find some areas closed, so visiting on a weekday is often more rewarding.
The Round Church contains some of the oldest known free-standing Purbeck Marble columns from medieval times. Inside lie stone effigies of Templar knights that reflect the site's enduring connection to its original military heritage.
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