Here are two suggestions to get your "knight fix" in London.
The Temple Church is not only one of the oldest churches
in London, it also served as the London headquarters for the Knights Templar.
Consecrated in 1185 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the circular part of the
church or "the round" is the original section of the church and where
the Knights Templar held their secret initiation rites. Ten fantastic knightly
effigies lie in this section of the church. Enjoy the gargoyles that adorn the
walls here. Their grotesque, scary and sometimes funny faces express the stonemasons'
imagination and sense of fun with their craft. It's very unusual for these to
be indoors, and a great opportunity to view them close-up.
The Temple Church is an active parish, meaning weddings on Saturday, baptisms
on Sunday and regular choir and organ practice that you might get lucky enough
to sit through on your visit. Don't miss the altar by Sir Christopher Wren and
the beautiful stained glass rising behind the altar.
BONUS!!! A Latin inscription over the West door, placed at the consecration
of the church states that those who yearly visit the church are granted "an
indulgence of 60 days off the penance enjoined upon them" Sweet!
Located off Fleet Street in Bloomsbury. Tube stope: Temple
Wed- 1-4pm Thurs, Fri, Sat- 11-12N and 1-3:30pm Sunday- 1-4pm
Donations accepted.
Just getting
warmed up and want a more personal encounter with your knight? Then head over
to St. Martin in the Fields Church on Trafalgar Square opposite the National
Galley, where a whole regiment of knights are just waiting to be rubbed!
Downstairs in the crypt, where the basement floors are actually gravestones,
you'll find The London Rubbing Centre. Reopening 01 October after a 7 month
renovation project, the prices run from 2.90-15.00GBP for a life size Crusader.
Once you find the knight that sets your heart on fire, the friendly staff will
set you up with special paper, rubbing crayons and instructions. If you work
up a hunger rubbing, or just need a glass of wine or pint, The Café in
the Crypt is there for your needs. Grab a bite and quaff a few whilst you ponder
what color your true knight's eyes should be. Don't worry, your knight will
be there when you return. And as you roll up your knight and tuck him under
your arm think to yourself: "he bowed before the majesty of the woman,
and pressed his lips to her hand and all his faith in women and his reverence
came back to him as he looked at her" Sigh!
BONUS!! Enjoy a free lunchtime concert and the superb acoustics upstairs in
the church 1pm Thursdays at 11:30 join the free 1hour 15minute tour of the church
and don't miss the craft market in the church yard.
Cheers!