Inner Temple, London

The history of Inner Temple dates back to the 12th century encompassing the creepy, the secretive, and even a Hollywood blockbuster.

Famous for its sinister starring role in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code", the Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court, along with Middle Temple, Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn. The Inns are fully functioning professional bodies that are responsible for selecting and training the barristers of England and Wales, but they also have a unique history. Their history begins in the 12th century, when the Knights Templar constructed their headquarters here. When they were disbanded in 1312, a group of lawyers moved in and organised themselves into two societies - Middle and Upper - and so began the legal history that continues today.

The Great Fire of London and World War Two were responsible for the damage of many of the original buildings, but most have now been restored. Access to the Inner Temple is limited but the two key attractions for visitors are Temple Church (also used by Middle Temple) and the gardens. Constructed in 1185, Temple Church is famous for its effigy tombs, and for being a round church. It also has some grotesque gargoyle heads and the first ever free-standing Purbeck Marble columns. In the early days, it was used for the highly secretive initiation of the Knights Templar, a ceremony which has been the basis of many rumours and legends, but nowadays it holds regular Sunday services for the public. The gardens are a three-acre green haven in the centre of London, with a mingling of history and nature, an impressive array of trees that make up the ancient orchard, gates that date from 1730 and a Queen Anne sundial. 

Inner Temple

The Inner Temple, London EC4Y 7HL

Opening Times

Inner Temple gardens: Weekdays, 12.30-15.00

Inner Temple, London
Inner Temple, London
Inner Temple, London
Inner Temple, London

Opening Hours

Monday:
09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday:
09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday:
09:00 - 20:00
Thursday:
09:00 - 20:00
Friday:
09:00 - 19:00
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
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