Welcome to the Temple Church. This is the church of Inner and Middle Temple, two of England’s four ancient societies of lawyers, the Inns of Court; we are here to serve the two Inns’ members and staff, and all those who work in this oasis of calm known as The Temple. We are glad to welcome visitors as well, from all over the world, to this beautiful and historic place at the very centre of London. Whether you want to discover one of the city’s loveliest areas, find some peace and quiet, or pray for your own loved ones here and at home, you are welcome.
Our services at the Temple follow the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England. The Book of Common Prayer reached its present form in 1662.
Most of our services are choral. We invite the congregation to join, of course, in singing the hymns, the Venite (at Mattins) and the Creed (at Communion). For the rest, we hope that you will enjoy the singing of the choir and the playing of the organ.
Such a service is an opportunity to bring our own cares quietly to God; and to set those cares within the vast, unfolding purposes of God, our Creator and Redeemer. We hear in these services of God’s unending love for his people and for his whole creation: in the story of the Old Testament and the songs of the psalms; in the story of Jesus himself; in the letters of the apostles; and in the hymns and creeds of the early church. So we learn, as a church and its members, to trust God’s care for ourselves and for those we love; and to entrust ourselves to the life that he calls us to live.
A hidden gem tucked away inside one of the Inns of Court, Temple Church is a beautiful 12th-century church. Members of the public can not only visit the church but can often attend concerts that take place inside. Easily accessible from Fleet Street on Mondays-Fridays, it’s a bit harder to find it on the weekends as the main entrance into Temple is closed – but it’s worth the effort to eventually find your way! Temple Church came to the publics’ attention a number of years ago at the publishing (and subsequent film) of Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code. In fact, there is a scene set inside the Temple Church in the story that was also filmed for the screen. It is here that the main characters Langston and Sophie, along with Leah Teabing come when trying to solve the riddle: In London lies a knight a Pope interred. His labour’s fruit a Holy wrath incurred. You seek the orb that out be on his tomb. It speaks of Rosy flesh and seeded womb.
The characters believe the stone effigies of the Knights which still lay in the church are actual tombs – but they are proved (and accurately so) incorrect. The trio then realise the riddle is leading them to Westminster Abbey – not Temple Church.
