Temple Bar
Paternoster Square
London
EC4M 7DX
Visitor Information
Open: 24 hrs (no public access to interior)
Temple Bar was one of the eight original City gateways. While the others were demolished before the end of the 18th century, Temple Bar remained standing until 1878, when it became too expensive to maintain and the cause of traffic congestion. The City of London dismantled it, labelling each stone and placing them in storage until a suitable site could be found to re-erect it.
In 1880, Sir Henry Meux bought the stones and rebuilt the Bar as a gateway to his park and mansion at Theobalds Park (near Cheshunt). In 2001, the City of London agreed to fund its return to the City and with donations from several livery companies and the Temple Bar Trust, the Bar was re-erected as the pedestrian gateway to Paternoster Square and opened in November 2004.
The Bar's name derives from the gateway's original position – near the Temple law courts. It displays its four original statues (Charles I, Charles II, James I and Queen Anne of Denmark) carved by John Bushnell, and new statues depicting the royal beasts, City supporters and associated coats of arms (cartouches). These replace the original statues which were lost after the Bar was removed from Fleet Street.
The Bar has an assured place in the history books; it has been a part of many processions and ceremonies and was even used to display traitors' heads impaled on spikes.
Accessibility
Temple Bar stands at the St Paul's entrance to Paternoster Square – there are no steps so it is easily accessible by wheelchair.