Temple Church

The Knights Templar constructed the Temple Church as its English headquarters. It is a Royal unique church in the City of London, situated between Fleet Street and the River Thames. On February 10th, 1185, Jerusalem's Patriarch Heraclius dedicated it. It served as the royal treasury during King John (1199–1216), with the assistance of the Knights Templar, who were the forerunners of modern international banks. The Inner Temple and Middle Temple Inns of Court, the foundations of the English legal profession, now jointly own it. It is renowned for its stone effigies from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as for being a round church, a common design element for Knights Templar churches. German bombing during World War II caused significant damage, although it has since undergone extensive restoration and reconstruction.

Regular church services are still held at the Temple Church today, including Sunday morning Mattins and Holy Communion. Additionally, it performs weddings, but exclusively for Inner and Middle Temple members. The Temple Church functions as a private chapel for the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple.

Due to the fact that the Temple Church has always been a Royal Peculiar, the choristers are allowed to wear red cassocks. Regarding the connection between its status as a Crown Subject and its peculiarity, there is disagreement. She frequently attends events and services at the Temple Church and has excellent relations with the Bishop of London. The Chapel Royal's ex officio dean is the Bishop of London.

Location: between Fleet Street and the River Thames, London
Year built: 1185