The Temple United Reformed Church

“A church that echoes Jerusalem,” whispered a woman, her voice hushed with awe. She was gesturing towards The Temple United Reformed Church. Right now, you might be wondering, why Jerusalem? The answer, my friends, lies in the heart of The Temple United Reformed Church’s fascinating history. It all began in the 12th century with a group of crusading monks known as the Knights Templar. Their mission was to protect pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem. These knights built The Temple Church as their headquarters, a beacon of faith in the heart of London. Now, look closer at the architecture. Notice the circular shape of the older section of the church, known as the Round Church. This design wasn’t arbitrary. It was a deliberate echo of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site considered immensely sacred by the Knights Templar. It’s a poignant reminder of their mission and the enduring connection between this church and the Holy Land. Although their time in London was significant, the Knights Templar faced persecution in the 14th century. The order was disbanded, and The Temple Church passed into the hands of the Knights Hospitaller. But the story doesn’t end there. The Knights Hospitaller, in a decision that shaped the future of The Temple Church, rented it to two legal colleges. These colleges, known as the Middle and Inner Temple Inns of Court, eventually became the church’s owners. They are still located here, a testament to the enduring legacy of The Temple Church in the world of law.