Temple Bar: The Last Surviving Gateway of the City of London
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Temple Bar is a Grade I listed historic gateway located in Paternoster Square, London, near St Paul's Cathedral. Originally built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, it served as the ceremonial entrance between the City of London and Westminster. Dismantled in 1878 due to traffic congestion, it was restored and re-erected in 2004. The gateway is renowned for its original Portland stone structure, statues of monarchs, and its rich history of royal ceremonies and grim displays of justice.
A brief summary to Temple Bar London
- Paternoster Lodge, 2 Paternoster Sq., London, EC4M 7DX, GB
- +447803294432
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate Portland stone carvings and statues.
- Combine your visit with nearby St Paul’s Cathedral and Paternoster Square for a full historical experience.
- Check availability to attend or book private events in the Wren Room or Temple Bar Chamber.
- Look for the dragon-topped monument marking Temple Bar’s original location on Fleet Street.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to St Paul's Station on the Central Line, approximately a 5 to 10-minute walk to Paternoster Square. The station is well serviced, with frequent trains and step-free access. A single journey fare ranges from £2.50 to £4.90 depending on the payment method.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Paternoster Square, including routes 4, 11, 15, and 242. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Contactless payment is accepted on all buses, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing services can drop you off directly at Paternoster Square. Travel times from central London locations typically range from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £10 to £25.
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Walking
If you are in the City of London or nearby areas, walking to Temple Bar is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and accessible, with walking times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
Temple Bar London location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Temple Bar London
Origins and Historical Significance
Temple Bar's origins date back to 1293 when it was first recorded as a simple chain or bar marking the boundary between the City of London and the City of Westminster. Over time, it evolved into a timber gatehouse by 1351, complete with a small prison above it. The gateway was situated where Fleet Street meets the Strand and served as a key ceremonial and practical entry point into the City. It symbolized the City's jurisdiction and was closely linked to the Temple area, a historic legal district once owned by the Knights Templar and later home to London’s lawyers.Reconstruction by Sir Christopher Wren
After the Great Fire of London in 1666, which damaged much of the city including the Temple area, the gateway was rebuilt in Portland stone between 1669 and 1672 under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren at the behest of King Charles II. This new structure featured ornate niches with statues of monarchs such as Charles I, Charles II, Queen Anne of Denmark, and James I. The gate became a prominent architectural landmark and a symbol of royal and civic power, marking the threshold where monarchs traditionally stopped to receive the City's ceremonial sword.A Site of Ceremony and Dark History
Temple Bar was central to many historic events, including royal processions like Anne Boleyn’s coronation and Queen Elizabeth I’s 1588 procession celebrating the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The gateway also bore a grim legacy: from the 17th to 18th centuries, it displayed the severed heads of executed traitors on iron spikes as a warning to the public. This macabre practice ended in 1772 when the heads were blown down in a storm. The gate also witnessed public punishments such as pillorying, adding to its reputation as a place of spectacle and authority.Removal and Preservation
By the late 19th century, Temple Bar had become a traffic bottleneck amidst London’s growing population and expanding road network. In 1878, it was dismantled stone by stone to ease congestion and to make way for the Royal Courts of Justice. The stones were numbered and the gateway was relocated to Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire, where it remained for over a century. A tall monument topped with a dragon now marks the original site of Temple Bar on Fleet Street.Return to the City and Modern Role
In 1976, the Temple Bar Trust was established to restore and return the gateway to the City of London. After extensive fundraising and restoration efforts costing around £3 million, Temple Bar was reassembled and unveiled in Paternoster Square in 2004, close to St Paul's Cathedral. Today, it stands as a pedestrian gateway and the Livery Hall of The Architects' Company, with elegant spaces like the Wren Room available for private events. The gate retains much of its original 17th-century fabric, including the statues by James Bushnell, symbolizing both London's rich heritage and its continuous evolution.Architectural and Cultural Legacy
Temple Bar remains a rare surviving example of a ceremonial city gate, notable for its Portland stone construction and intricate sculptural details. It embodies centuries of London's civic identity, royal traditions, and legal history. The gateway’s relocation to Paternoster Square situates it within a vibrant modern business district, linking the past with the present. Its Grade I listing underscores its architectural and historic importance, making it a must-see landmark for those interested in London's layered history and urban development.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Temple Bar London
0.0 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Queen Anne Statue
0.1 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Ludgate Circus
0.3 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Holborn Viaduct
0.5 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.5 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Victoria Embankment
0.5 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
London City wall
0.5 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.5 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Guildhall
0.6 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.6 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.6 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
St Giles Cripplegate
0.6 km
Medieval sanctuary where Milton rests and Cromwell wed, surviving 1,000 years of London's turbulent history.
City of London
0.6 km
Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity in the City of London, where iconic landmarks meet vibrant culture and culinary delights.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stationers' Hall
0.1 km
Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
St Martin Ludgate
0.2 km
Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
Church Entry
0.2 km
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
College of Arms
0.2 km
Explore centuries of heraldic tradition at the historic College of Arms, London's official authority on coats of arms and genealogy.
St Vedast alias Foster
0.2 km
A historic City of London church blending medieval roots, Wren’s baroque spire, and wartime resilience in a tranquil urban sanctuary.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.3 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
One New Change
0.3 km
Discover premier shopping, dining, and stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London's financial district.
Apothecaries' Hall
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
Postman's Park
0.3 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Queen Victoria St
0.3 km
A historic and vital City of London street linking iconic landmarks with Victorian-era urban vision and modern financial life.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.3 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.3 km
Discover St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historic City sanctuary blending Dutch-inspired architecture with a vibrant musical legacy.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.3 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.4 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
Watling St
0.4 km
Follow the ancient Roman road that shaped London’s history, once a frontier, battlefield approach, and boundary between kingdoms and boroughs.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.3 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
St. John
0.7 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.8 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.0 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
George
1.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
14 Hills
1.3 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Sarastro
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Wahaca Southbank
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.4 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.5 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.5 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Balthazar
1.5 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.5 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1 Poultry
0.6 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.7 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Barbican Shop
0.8 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.9 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.9 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Twinings - The Strand
0.9 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
j-me original design ltd
0.9 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
London Silver Vaults
1.0 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Sugar And Style
1.0 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
The Store X
1.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.2 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
not just a shop
1.2 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Exmouth Market
1.5 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.4 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.7 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.7 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.8 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Old Bank of England
0.8 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
0.8 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.9 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.0 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
1.1 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Understudy
1.2 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Aviary
1.3 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.4 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.4 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.4 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.8 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
1.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Proud Late
1.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.6 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Cirque Du Soul
1.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Hoxton Pony
1.8 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
The Roxy
1.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Ministry of Sound
1.8 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Heaven
1.9 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
