11/04/2004 Entry: "Temple Bar returns to London"

Wren landmark rebuilt in the City of London
Sir Christopher Wren's Temple Bar, built between 1669 and 1672, as the gateway marking the original western boundary between the City of London and the City of Westminster, has been returned to London. The Bar now stands as an elegant gateway connecting the ancient, St Paul's Cathedral, with the modern, Paternoster Square.

Temple Bar was removed from Fleet Street, stone by stone, in 1878 to enable the roadway to be widened. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Robert Finch, will officially open Temple Bar at its new home connecting St Paul's Cathedral and Paternoster Square on Wednesday 10th November 2004.

To mark the return of Temple Bar to the City of London, Guildhall Library, from 8 November to 31 March 2005, will present an exhibition of original paintings, prints and photographs charting the landmark's fascinating history.

The Guildhall Library exhibition will show how Temple Bar was once the focus of royal celebrations and political protest. Decorated with royal statues, it was occasionally used to display the heads of traitors. Alongside paintings and photographs of the Bar throughout its lifetime, the exhibition displays original invoices for the royal statues and 19th Century song-sheets celebrating the London landmark.

Exhibition Details:

Temple Bar: Gateway to the City
8 November 2004 - 31 March 2005
Guildhall Library Print Room
Guildhall, Aldermanbury, London EC2P 2EJ
Telephone: 020 7332 1839
Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm
Admission Free
Tube: Bank, Mansion House, St Paul's, Moorgate

Temple Bar was removed from Fleet Street, stone by stone, in 1878 to enable the roadway to be widened. The Bar was rebuilt by Sir Henry Meux, the brewer, to form an entrance to his estate at Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire.

In December 2001 the Corporation of London agreed to return the Bar to the City of London. It had always been the intention to return Temple Bar to the City: at the meeting of the Court of Common Council in 1877, it is recorded that the Bar be removed until such time as a decision could be made as to where to re-erect the gateway. On time and within budget, work only started on the de-construction in Hertfordshire 14 months ago.

website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk