Temple
Inner Temple - King's Bench Walk,  Middle Temple Hall - Middle Temple Lane London EC4

Temple represents two of London's four Inns of Court - the Middle Temple and the Inner Temple, the other two are Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn. 

The four Inns, or Honourable Societies of Barristers, fulfill the same functions but each has its separate traditions.  According to ancient custom any law student training to be a barrister in Britain must join one of the Inns of Court and dine there 24 times, as well as passing their examinations, before being officially qualified. 

The open spaces and alleys of the Inns of Court provide a haven from the noisy traffic and fumes of central London, almost like stepping back in time. Here, lawyers, wearing wigs and gowns, pass by against the backdrop of ancient buildings. 

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 order owned this area until 1312, when it was suppressed by the Crown on grounds of immorality and heresy, but the real reason was that the order had become wealthy and was seen as a threat to the throne. 

Middle Temple and Inner Temple are built around a maze of courtyards and passageways. Still lit by gas, they are especially atmospheric after dark. 

The Temple Church, built in 1185, was modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and is the only circular church in London.  Features include a 13th century penitent's cell and marble effigies of Knights Templar lying on the floor of the nave. 

Other ancient buildings here include the marvellous Middle Temple Hall, completed in 1574, and the gatehouse dating from 1648. 

The Hall has an amazing double hammerbeam roof, stained glass windows, portraits and rich carvings, carefully restored after suffering bomb damage during World War II.  The 29 foot table, made from a single oak tree from Windsor Forest, was given by Elizabeth I.  It is thought that Shakespeare took part in a production of   'Twelve Night' here in 1601. 

Behind Temple, lawns stretch down towards the Embankment.

Admission free

Opening Times

Open: Inner Temple  Wed-Fri: 10:00-16:00, Sun:12:30-16:00
Middle Temple Mon-Fri:10:00-12:00 15:00-16:00