Temple Bar Memorial, London

A majestic Victorian monument marking the historic gateway to the City of London, crowned by the iconic dragon of the City.

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Temple Bar Memorial

The Temple Bar Memorial marks the historic site of the original Temple Bar gateway, once the ceremonial entrance to the City of London from Westminster. Designed by Horace Jones in 1880, this ornate monument features bronze statues of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales, and a dragon symbolizing the City of London. It commemorates the removal of Sir Christopher Wren’s 17th-century Temple Bar gate, which was dismantled to ease traffic and later re-erected near St. Paul's Cathedral.

A brief summary to Temple Bar Memorial

London, EC4A 2LT, GB
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed bronze sculptures and reliefs on the memorial.
Combine your visit with a walk to nearby St Paul’s Cathedral and Paternoster Square for a rich historical experience.
Look up to spot the dragon atop the memorial, a symbol of the City of London’s strength and heritage.
Explore the surrounding legal district, known as Temple, which the original gate once guarded.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the London Underground to St Paul's Station on the Central Line, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the Temple Bar Memorial. Frequent services run every 2-5 minutes. Tickets cost £2.50–£6.00 depending on travel zones and ticket type.
Bus

Several London bus routes stop near Fleet Street and St Paul's Cathedral, including routes 4, 11, and 15. Bus travel times vary from 10 to 20 minutes from central London locations. Standard Oyster or contactless fares apply, typically £1.75 per journey.
Walking

From Fleet Street or the Strand area, a 10-15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets leads you to the memorial. The route is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Temple Bar Memorial location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Temple Bar Memorial

Historic Gateway to the City

Temple Bar originally served as the main ceremonial entrance to the City of London from Westminster, marking a boundary that was both physical and symbolic. Dating back to the 13th century, it began as a simple chain across the road and evolved into a timber gatehouse with a prison. After suffering damage in the Great Fire of London in 1666, the gate was rebuilt between 1670 and 1672 in Portland stone, reputedly designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This imposing arch stood where Fleet Street now meets the Strand and was adorned with statues of monarchs, including Queen Anne of Denmark and James I on one side, and Charles I and II on the other.

Ceremonial and Cultural Significance

Temple Bar was more than a gateway; it was a stage for historic events and royal ceremonies. The Lord Mayor of London traditionally waited here to present the keys of the City to the Sovereign, a ritual continuing for over 400 years. The gate also bore grim reminders of justice, with iron spikes atop the arch displaying the heads of traitors during the 18th century. The gate featured prominently in processions, royal progresses, and celebrations, symbolizing the authority and heritage of the City.

Removal and Memorialization

By the 19th century, the gate became an obstacle to increasing traffic and the construction of the Royal Courts of Justice. In 1878, it was dismantled stone by stone, with each piece carefully numbered and stored. Horace Jones designed the Temple Bar Memorial in 1880 to mark the original site. This monument, crowned by a dragon representing the City of London, features bronze statues of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales, commemorating the last royal passage through the gate in 1872. Relief panels depict significant events such as Queen Victoria’s royal progress and the farewell to the original gate.

Journey and Restoration of the Original Gate

After removal, the original Temple Bar was rebuilt at Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire by Lady Meux, a Victorian socialite. It remained there until the 1980s when the Temple Bar Trust was formed to return it to the City. The restoration was completed in 2004, and the gate now stands in Paternoster Square near St Paul's Cathedral, serving as the Livery Hall of The Architects' Company. This journey reflects the enduring cultural value and historical preservation efforts surrounding Temple Bar.

Architectural Details and Symbolism

The Temple Bar Memorial is richly decorated with sculptural embellishments celebrating Victorian achievement and the City’s heritage. The dragon atop the monument is a traditional symbol of the City of London, representing guardianship and strength. The bronze statues by Sir Joseph Boehm and reliefs by Charles Mabey and Samuel Kelsey capture key moments in the gate’s history, blending art and civic pride in a landmark that continues to inspire.

Present-Day Significance

Today, the Temple Bar Memorial stands in the middle of a busy London street, a poignant reminder of the City’s medieval boundaries and its evolving urban landscape. It offers a tangible connection to centuries of London’s history, law, and governance. Visitors can appreciate the monument’s intricate details and reflect on the rich narratives embedded in this historic site, which remains an iconic symbol of London’s identity and resilience.

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