Temple Bar Memorial
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the heart of London’s historic identity: the Temple Bar Memorial. Standing in the middle of the road directly in front of the Royal Courts of Justice, this striking monument marks the ceremonial point of entry where…
Listen in the app2The Pedestal — Horace Jones’s Victorian Vision
The base of the memorial is a masterclass in high Victorian design, reflecting the confidence and wealth of the British Empire at the end of the 19th century. Sir Horace Jones chose to create a pedestal that was both sturdy and…
Listen in the app3The Dragon — Guardian of the City's Treasures
At the very top of the memorial stands the most iconic symbol of the City of London: the Dragon. Often mistaken by visitors for a griffin, this bronze creature is, in fact, one of the 'Protectors of the City's Treasures.' The…
Listen in the app4Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales
Traveling down the pedestal, we find two grand bronze statues housed in niches on either side of the monument. On the west-facing side, looking toward Westminster, is Queen Victoria. …
Listen in the app5The Royal Courts of Justice — The Neighboring Giant
To understand the context of the Temple Bar Memorial, one must look across the street at its imposing neighbor: the Royal Courts of Justice. This massive Gothic Revival complex, designed by George Edmund Street and opened by…
Listen in the app6The Ceremonial Tradition — The Sword Ceremony
The true significance of the Temple Bar Memorial is revealed during the 'Sword Ceremony,' a tradition that dates back centuries. When the Sovereign visits the City of London in state, the Royal Procession halts here. …
Listen in the app7Wren’s Original Arch — The Ghost of the Site
As we conclude our look at the memorial, we must acknowledge the 'ghost' of the site: Sir Christopher Wren’s original stone arch. Built in 1672 after the Great Fire of London, Wren’s Temple Bar was a much more substantial…
Listen in the app8Closing
As you move away from the Temple Bar Memorial and continue your journey down Fleet Street or back toward the Strand, we hope you carry with you a deeper appreciation for this symbolic gateway. It is more than just a monument in…
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What is Temple Bar Memorial?
Temple Bar Memorial is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 51.5142, -0.1129 |
| Last updated |
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