What is the primary identity and function of The Temple area in London?

The Temple is a specific area or precinct within the City of London that surrounds Temple Church. It is recognized as one of London's main legal districts and has been a significant center for English law from the Middle Ages to the present day. This area is unique in its governance, as it consists of the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple, which are two of the four Inns of Court and effectively act as local authorities for most structures and functions, rather than the City of London Corporation.

What is the historical origin of the name 'Temple' for this London district?

The name 'Temple' originates from the Knights Templar, a medieval Catholic military order, who were granted this precinct and built Temple Church within it. The area retained this name even after the Knights Templar were suppressed in 1312, and it subsequently became a prominent center for the legal profession.

What are the two main legal institutions that comprise the core of the Temple district?

The core of the Temple district is comprised of two of the four Inns of Court: the Inner Temple, which occupies the eastern part, and the Middle Temple, located in the western part. These Inns are professional associations for barristers in England and Wales, providing training, regulation, and a collegiate environment.

What notable legal and other institutions are formally located within the Temple's defined extent?

Formally defined, the Temple contains numerous barristers' chambers and solicitors' offices. It also houses significant legal institutions such as the Employment Appeal Tribunal, which handles appeals from employment tribunals.

What is the meaning behind the name 'Novum Templum' as recorded in the 12th century?

The name 'Novum Templum,' meaning 'New Temple,' was recorded in the 12th century. It refers to the then newly constructed Temple Church and the surrounding land that belonged to the Knights Templar, distinguishing it from an 'Old Temple' located in Holborn.

Where was the 'Old Temple' situated, according to historical records?

The 'Old Temple' was historically located in Holborn, approximately where Lincoln's Inn, another one of the four Inns of Court, now stands.

How was the Knights Templar's estate initially divided after their suppression in 1312?

After the Knights Templar were suppressed in 1312, their estate, known as the precinct of The Temple, was initially divided into Inner Temple and Outer Temple. Inner Temple referred to the part within the City of London, while Outer Temple denoted the part outside its boundaries.

What happened to the Outer Temple division over time?

While the Inner Temple was later further divided into Inner and Middle Temple, the Outer Temple generally fell into disuse as a distinct legal entity. Today, a 19th-century building called 'The Outer Temple' exists, but it is not part of the modern Inns of Court and has commercial landowners.

What was the original purpose of the Temple Church, and by whom was it built?

The Temple Church was originally erected by the Knights Templar in honor of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. It served as their place of worship and remains a significant historical and architectural landmark.

What became of the Knights Templar's possessions after their dissolution in 1312?

Following the dissolution of the Knights Templar in 1312, Pope Clement V granted their possessions to the Knights Hospitaller, another medieval military order. However, this transfer of ownership was not immediately straightforward in England.

How did King Edward II initially respond to the Knights Hospitaller's claims to the Temple?

King Edward II initially disregarded the claims of the Knights Hospitaller to the Temple. Instead, he divided the Temple into the Inner Temple and the Outer Temple and later bestowed the Inner Temple upon his favorite, Hugh le Despencer, despite the Hospitallers' rights.

When was the Knights Hospitaller's claim to the Inner Temple officially recognized in England?

The Knights Hospitaller's claim to the Inner Temple was officially recognized in England in 1324, but only after their prior, Thomas L'Archer, paid a substantial bribe to King Edward II.

How did the Inner Temple and Middle Temple become distinct legal societies?

In 1337, the Knights Hospitaller petitioned Edward III to rectify the grant of consecrated land to a layman. As a result, the Inner Temple was divided into its consecrated eastern part, which retained the name Inner Temple, and an unconsecrated western part, which became known as Middle Temple. This division led to the establishment of two separate legal societies.

When did lawyers first begin to occupy the Temple area?

Lawyers had already begun to occupy the Temple area as early as 1320, when the precinct belonged to the Earl of Lancaster, indicating its early association with the legal profession.

What was the tenure arrangement for barristers in the Temple after Henry VIII dissolved the Knights Hospitaller?

After Henry VIII dissolved the Knights Hospitaller during the English Reformation, the barristers in the Temple remained as tenants of the Crown. They paid an annual rent of £10 for each society, the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple.

What significant event in 1608 solidified the lawyers' rights to the Temple?

In 1608, King James I granted a charter to the barristers, originally as a fee farm, which significantly solidified their rights to the Temple. This grant was later converted to absolute title when the reversion was purchased from Charles II.

What confirmation of the original grant was issued in 2008?

In 2008, Elizabeth II issued new letters patent, which confirmed the original grant made by James I, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the charter and reaffirming the Inns' tenure.

Who was Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, and how is he connected to the Temple area?

Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, purchased the Outer Temple area after it was granted to the Bishop of Exeter. He is commemorated in the area through street names such as Essex Street and Devereux Court, as well as Essex Court within the Middle Temple.

How did the construction of the Victoria Embankment affect the physical area of the Temple?

The construction of the Victoria Embankment between 1865 and 1870 increased the area of the Temple by reclaiming land to the south that was previously within the tidal range of the River Thames. This engineering work meant that the Inner and Middle Temple lost their direct frontage to the river, though it was largely replaced with gardens.

What impact did World War II have on the Temple area?

The Temple area suffered extensive damage due to enemy air raids during World War II. Many buildings, particularly within the Inner Temple and Middle Temple inns, and even the Temple Church itself, had to be rebuilt as a result of the destruction.

What facilities do the Inner Temple and Middle Temple each maintain for their members?

Each of the Inns of Court, the Inner Temple and Middle Temple, maintains its own distinct facilities. These include gardens, dining halls, libraries, and administrative offices, all situated within their respective parts of the Temple precinct.

What is the primary use of most of the land within the Inner and Middle Temple?

Most of the land within the Inner and Middle Temple is occupied by buildings that house barristers' chambers, which are sets of rooms where barristers practice their legal profession.

How was the historical dispute over precedence between the Inner Temple and Middle Temple resolved?

A long-running dispute between the Inner Temple and Middle Temple regarding which was older and held precedence was resolved in 1620. A tribunal of four judges declared that all four Inns of Court should be equal, with none having a right to precedence over the others.

How has the residential nature of the Temple's chambers evolved since the 20th century?

Until the 20th century, many chambers in the Temple served as residential accommodation for barristers. However, due to increasing demand for professional space, residential sets are now largely limited to the very top floors, primarily occupied by senior barristers and judges who use them as pieds-à-terre, or by new barristers undertaking the Bar Professional Training Course.

What is the current planning policy regarding residential accommodation in the Temple Inns of Court?

The current planning policy aims to retain residential accommodation where possible within the Temple Inns of Court. This is done to preserve the special 'collegiate' character of the Temple, which is a unique aspect of its legal community.

What is a 'liberty' in the context of the Inner Temple and Middle Temple?

In the context of the Inner Temple and Middle Temple, a 'liberty' is an old term for a geographical administrative division. These Inns are two of the few remaining liberties, signifying their status as independent extra-parochial areas with unique governance.

How do the Inner Temple and Middle Temple function as local authorities?

The Inner Temple and Middle Temple are regarded as local authorities for most purposes, operating independently of the City of London Corporation. They can, however, delegate certain functions to the Common Council of the City of London, as outlined in the Temples Order 1971.

What is the ecclesiastical jurisdiction status of the Inner Temple and Middle Temple?

The Inner Temple and Middle Temple are extra-parochial areas, meaning they are historically outside the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of London. This grants them a degree of independence in religious matters within their precincts.

Within which City ward are the Inner Temple and Middle Temple geographically located?

Geographically, both the Inner Temple and Middle Temple fall within the City ward of Farringdon Without, despite their independent administrative status as liberties.

How did the Parliamentary Boundaries Act 1832 impact the Temple?

The Parliamentary Boundaries Act 1832 included The Temple within the City of London parliamentary constituency. This change was part of broader reforms aimed at ending malapportionment and preventing individuals from voting in multiple parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales.

What is the status of Temple Church in terms of ecclesiastical governance?

Temple Church holds the status of a royal peculiar, meaning it is exempt from the ordinary ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the diocese in which it is geographically located and is instead subject directly to the monarch.

When was Temple Church consecrated?

Temple Church, built by the Knights Templar, was consecrated in the year 1185.

Who are the joint owners of Temple Church?

Temple Church is jointly owned by the Middle Temple and Inner Temple inns, reflecting its central importance to both legal societies.

What London Underground lines serve Temple tube station?

Temple tube station is served by the District line and the Circle line of the London Underground network.

What notable vessel is permanently moored at Temple Pier?

The HMS Wellington, a former Royal Navy sloop, is permanently moored at Temple Pier on the Victoria Embankment.

What event involving a barge occurred at Temple Pier in January 2024?

In January 2024, the Wilfred barge, which had been moored at Temple Pier, sank during Storm Henk.

What does the image titled 'Map of London in about 1300, showing large monastic holdings in purple. The Temple is the purple precinct farthest centre-left' illustrate?

The source material includes an image that illustrates a map of London from approximately 1300, highlighting large monastic holdings in purple, with The Temple depicted as the purple precinct located farthest to the center-left of the map.

What does the image titled 'Looking down Middle Temple Lane; the buildings are occupied by barristers' chambers' show?

The source material includes an image depicting a view looking down Middle Temple Lane, where the surrounding buildings are notably occupied by barristers' chambers, which are offices for legal practitioners.

What does the image titled 'Part of the Inner Temple Garden and buildings' show?

The source material includes an image that shows a section of the Inner Temple Garden along with its adjacent buildings, highlighting the green spaces within this historic legal precinct.

What does the image titled 'Temple tube station' depict?

The source material includes an image that depicts Temple tube station, which is a London Underground station serving the Temple area.

Temple London Wiki: The Temple's Legacy: London's Enduring Legal Heart

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The Temple: An Enduring Legal Precinct

A Unique London District

The Temple is a distinctive area within the City of London, centered around the historic Temple Church. It stands as one of London's principal legal districts, having served as a prominent hub for English law from the medieval period through to the present day. This precinct is uniquely governed by two of the four Inns of Court: the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple, which function as local authorities, largely superseding the City of London Corporation in their jurisdiction.^[14]

From Knights to Lawyers

Prior to the establishment of the Inns of Court, the Temple precinct was under the dominion of the Knights Templar, who constructed the iconic Temple Church. Following their suppression in 1312, the area retained its evocative name and swiftly transitioned into a vital center for the legal profession, a role it has maintained for centuries.^[3]

Geographical Context

The Temple's approximate boundaries are defined by the River Thames (via the Victoria Embankment) to the south, Surrey Street to the west, the Strand and Fleet Street to the north, and Carmelite Street and Whitefriars Street to the east. Key adjacent landmarks include the Royal Courts of Justice and Temple Bar to the north, with Temple tube station bordering its southwest in the City of Westminster.

Toponymy: The Origin of "Temple"

The "New Temple"

The name "Temple" is documented as early as the 12th century, appearing as Novum Templum, signifying 'New Temple'. This designation refers to the then-new Temple Church and the extensive landholdings associated with the Knights Templar. It served to distinguish it from the 'Old Temple', which was situated in Holborn, approximately where Lincoln's Inn now stands.^[3]^[4]

Evolution of Divisions

Following the suppression of the Knights Templar in 1312, their estate, the precinct of The Temple, underwent a significant division. It was initially split into the Inner Temple and the Outer Temple, denoting the portions located within and outside the boundaries of the City of London, respectively. Subsequently, the Inner Temple was further subdivided into the Inner and Middle Temples, while the Outer Temple largely ceased to be a distinct entity in common usage.^[3]

Modern Nomenclature

Today, the historical name "Temple" persists in several key designations within and around the district. These include the Inner Temple, Middle Temple, the iconic Temple Church, the ceremonial Temple Bar, and the nearby Temple tube station, all serving as reminders of its profound historical roots.

Historical Trajectory of The Temple

The Templar Era and Dissolution

The Temple's origins are deeply intertwined with the Knights Templar, a powerful medieval military order. They constructed the magnificent Temple Church, dedicated in honor of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The Knights also maintained two significant halls, whose modern counterparts are the Middle Temple Hall and the Inner Temple Hall, with the latter retaining original medieval elements. The order's dissolution in 1312 marked a pivotal moment, leading to the transfer of their possessions.^[5]

Royal Interventions and Legal Succession

Following the Templars' demise, Pope Clement V granted their estates to the Knights Hospitaller. However, King Edward II initially disregarded these claims, dividing the Temple into Inner and Outer sections. It was not until 1324 that the Hospitallers' rights to the Inner Temple were formally acknowledged in England, albeit after a substantial payment. Despite this, Edward II briefly bestowed it upon his favorite, Hugh le Despencer. By 1346, the Knights Hospitaller leased both the Middle and Inner Temples to lawyers, solidifying the area's transition into a legal center, a process that had begun as early as 1320.^[5]^[6]^[7]

Modern Tenure and Resilience

With Henry VIII's dissolution of the Knights Hospitaller during the English Reformation, the barristers became tenants of the Crown. Their current absolute title stems from a charter granted by James I in 1608, later confirmed by Charles II and reaffirmed by Elizabeth II in 2008.^[8]^[9] The area expanded with the Victoria Embankment in the 19th century, reclaiming land from the Thames. Despite significant damage during World War II, which necessitated extensive rebuilding, the Temple remains a repository of Grade I listed buildings, preserving its historical grandeur.

12th Century: Area recorded as Novum Templum, held by Knights Templar.
1185: Temple Church consecrated.
1312: Knights Templar suppressed; possessions granted to Knights Hospitaller.
1320: Lawyers begin to occupy the Temple.
1324: Knights Hospitaller's claim to Inner Temple officially recognized in England.
1337: Inner Temple divided into consecrated (Inner) and unconsecrated (Middle) parts.
1346: Knights Hospitaller lease Middle and Inner Temples to lawyers.
1608: James I grants a charter to the barristers, establishing their tenure.
1865–1870: Construction of the Victoria Embankment expands the Temple's land to the south.
World War II: Significant damage to buildings, including Temple Church, requiring extensive reconstruction.
2008: Elizabeth II issues new letters patent, confirming the original grant from James I.

Inner and Middle Temple: Pillars of Law

The Inns of Court

The heart of the Temple district comprises the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple, two of London's four venerable Inns of Court. These institutions jointly govern the centrally located Temple Church. Each Inn maintains its own distinct gardens, grand dining halls, extensive libraries, and administrative offices, all meticulously situated within their respective territories, fostering a unique collegiate atmosphere.^[11]

Chambers and Residences

The majority of the land within the Temple is dedicated to buildings housing barristers' chambers, where legal professionals practice. Historically, many of these chambers also served as residential accommodations for barristers. However, due to increasing demand for professional space, residential sets are now largely confined to the uppermost floors, often occupied by senior barristers and judges as pieds-à-terre. A limited number of rooms are also reserved for new barristers undertaking the Bar Professional Training Course. This careful balance helps preserve the Temple's distinctive "collegiate" character.^[12]

Jurisdictional Distinctions

While the Inner and Middle Temples share a common heritage, their boundaries feature several enclaves and exclaves. A historical dispute regarding precedence between the two Inns was resolved in 1620, affirming the equal standing of all four Inns of Court. It is important to note that the 19th-century building known as "The Outer Temple," located outside the Middle Temple's boundary, is a commercial property and not part of the modern Inns. Similarly, Serjeant's Inn, once a legal hub, was acquired by the Inner Temple but subsequently converted into a hotel.^[11]

Governance: A Unique Administrative Status

Independent Liberties

The Inner Temple and Middle Temple are notable as two of the few remaining liberties in England, representing an archaic form of geographical administrative division. They function as independent extra-parochial areas, historically operating outside the direct governance of the City of London Corporation and the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of London.^[13]

Local Authority Functions

For most practical purposes, the Inner and Middle Temples are recognized as local authorities. They possess the capacity to delegate certain functions to the Common Council of the City of London, as stipulated by the Temples Order 1971. Geographically, they are situated within the broader boundaries and liberties of the City of London, yet they maintain their status as distinct, independent enclaves. Both are integral parts of the City ward of Farringdon Without.^[14]

Evolving Boundaries

The southern boundary of the Temple liberties historically followed the natural bank of the River Thames. This changed significantly with the construction of the Victoria Embankment between 1865 and 1870, which reclaimed land and altered the Temple's frontage to the river. Despite this major engineering feat, the formal boundary of the Temple itself remains largely unchanged, with the Embankment and its underlying Underground line technically not part of the Temple. The Parliamentary Boundaries Act 1832 integrated The Temple into the City of London parliamentary constituency, addressing issues of malapportionment.^[15]

Key Landmarks and Features

Temple Church

The Temple Church holds the unique status of a royal peculiar, meaning it is exempt from the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London and answers directly to the monarch. Originally constructed by the Knights Templar and consecrated in 1185, this historic edifice is now jointly owned and maintained by the Middle Temple and Inner Temple Inns of Court, serving as a spiritual and ceremonial heart for the legal community.^[16]

Temple Transport Hub

The Temple district lends its name to Temple tube station, a crucial transport link served by London's District and Circle lines, located immediately southwest of the precinct. Adjacent to the tube station on the Victoria Embankment is Temple Pier, a historical mooring point. Notably, HMS Wellington is permanently moored here, serving as a livery hall. The pier also hosted the Wilfred barge until its unfortunate sinking during Storm Henk in January 2024.^[17]

Gardens and Green Spaces

Despite its urban setting, the Temple is renowned for its tranquil gardens, particularly the Inner Temple Garden. These green spaces offer a serene escape and a visual reminder of the area's historical connection to the Thames, with a clear drop in ground level indicating the river's original bank before the Embankment's construction. These gardens contribute significantly to the unique character and appeal of the legal precinct.

Connectivity and Access

Underground Connections

The Temple area is well-served by public transport, primarily through Temple tube station. This station provides vital links via the District Line and Circle Line, connecting the legal district to various parts of London. Its strategic location facilitates easy access for barristers, solicitors, and visitors to the numerous legal institutions within the precinct and the wider City of London.

River Access

Beyond its underground links, the Temple also benefits from its proximity to the River Thames. Temple Pier, located on the Victoria Embankment, offers river transport options, connecting to other key riverside locations. This historical connection to the Thames underscores the area's long-standing importance as a hub of activity and commerce in London.

Pedestrian Accessibility

The Temple is highly accessible on foot, bordered by major thoroughfares such as the Strand and Fleet Street. Its intricate network of lanes and courtyards, while historically quiet outside working hours, provides a unique pedestrian experience. The area's design encourages exploration of its historic buildings and hidden gardens, offering a blend of professional environment and cultural heritage.

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References

City of London (Approved Premises for Marriage) Act 1996, 1996, c. iv, Preamble

Inner Temple Library website (retrieved 10 August 2018)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Temple, London Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal consultation, advice, or representation. Always refer to official legal documentation, consult with qualified legal professionals, or seek advice from the relevant Inns of Court for specific legal inquiries or requirements. Never disregard professional legal counsel or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Temple's Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Temple: An Enduring Legal Precinct 🏛️

📍 A Unique London District

📜 From Knights to Lawyers

🗺️ Geographical Context

Toponymy: The Origin of "Temple" 🏷️

📖 The "New Temple"

🔄 Evolution of Divisions

🗣️ Modern Nomenclature

Historical Trajectory of The Temple ⏳

⚔️ The Templar Era and Dissolution

👑 Royal Interventions and Legal Succession

🏛️ Modern Tenure and Resilience

Inner and Middle Temple: Pillars of Law ⚖️

🤝 The Inns of Court

🏢 Chambers and Residences

🚧 Jurisdictional Distinctions

Governance: A Unique Administrative Status 👑

autonomy Independent Liberties

🏛️ Local Authority Functions

🌊 Evolving Boundaries

Key Landmarks and Features ⛪

⛪ Temple Church

🚇 Temple Transport Hub

🌳 Gardens and Green Spaces

Connectivity and Access 🚉

🚇 Underground Connections

🚢 River Access

🚶 Pedestrian Accessibility

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Temple: An Enduring Legal Precinct

A Unique London District

From Knights to Lawyers

Geographical Context

Toponymy: The Origin of "Temple"

The "New Temple"

Evolution of Divisions

Modern Nomenclature

Historical Trajectory of The Temple

The Templar Era and Dissolution

Royal Interventions and Legal Succession

Modern Tenure and Resilience

Inner and Middle Temple: Pillars of Law

The Inns of Court

Chambers and Residences

Jurisdictional Distinctions

Governance: A Unique Administrative Status

Independent Liberties

Local Authority Functions

Evolving Boundaries

Key Landmarks and Features

Temple Church

Temple Transport Hub

Gardens and Green Spaces

Connectivity and Access

Underground Connections

River Access

Pedestrian Accessibility

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice