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 The
Temple Church of St Mary is a gem set amidst the lanes and
courtyards of the Inner
and Middle Temple.
The name Temple derives from
the Knights Templar, a chivalrous order founded here in 1118
to protect pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.
The church, a rare surviving
example of a Norman round church, is the only circular church
in London and one of only four round Norman naves still in
use in England. The church was modelled on the Church
of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The eastern arm of the church
was replaced in the 13th century by a longer aisled chancel.
Consecrated in 1240, this Early English chancel is an exceptional
survivor in central London. The round nave has a number
of Purbeck marble effigies of lay supporters of the Knights
Templar, lying on the floor.
Another highlight of the church
is its 13th century penitent's cell. At the east
end of the church is a stained glass in the east window created
by Carl Edwards in 1957 - 58.
Today the Temple Church serves
the lawyers of the Middle and Inner Temple.
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Temple