Temple Bar: The 350-Year-Old Gateway to London You Never Knew Existed! London Hidden Gems Part 33

Note: These visuals are created using AI to illustrate the essence of the content beautifully

If you’ve ever wandered near St. Paul’s Cathedral, you might have walked past one of London’s most historic landmarks without even realizing it. Temple Bar, a 350-year-old gateway to the City of London, is an architectural relic packed with centuries of history, royal traditions, and even a dark past of traitors' heads on spikes!

It’s not just another old archway—it’s a symbol of London’s power, resilience, and grandeur. And here’s why you need to see it for yourself!

Temple Bar: A Monument of Royal Tradition & Execution

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1672, Temple Bar originally stood on Fleet Street, marking the western entrance to the City of London.

For centuries, every reigning monarch would enter the City through this very gate, where they’d be ceremoniously greeted by the Lord Mayor of London in the Ceremony of the Pearl Sword—a royal tradition that still exists today!

But Temple Bar’s history isn’t all grandeur…

It was the last City gate where traitors' heads were displayed on spikes.
From rebels to conspirators, those who challenged the Crown were gruesomely executed, with their heads placed atop Temple Bar as a warning to others.

The Only Surviving City Gateway
Unlike London’s other historic gates, which were demolished over time, Temple Bar is the last one still standing.

Where Is Temple Bar Today?

Temple Bar is rarely open to the public, but you can see it up close at Paternoster Square, near St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Originally removed from Fleet Street in 1878 and rebuilt in Hertfordshire, it wasn’t until 2004 that it was brought back to London, thanks to The Temple Bar Trust and the City of London Corporation.

Location: Temple Bar, Paternoster Square, London EC4M
Open to the public during special events like Open House weekends (10 AM – 4 PM)

Today, Temple Bar serves as the Livery Hall of The Company of Architects, but its presence remains a reminder of London’s royal past, architectural brilliance, and dark secrets.

Step Through London’s Forgotten Gateway

Temple Bar isn’t just another monument—it’s a piece of living history. Whether you’re a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for unique hidden gems in London, this 350-year-old gateway is worth the visit.

Did you know about Temple Bar’s history? Would you visit?