Casework Officer Gill Pedlar has an update on the work at one of London's oldest in-use churches. This item first appeared in the SPAB Magazine, Autumn 2025
Tucked away between Fleet Street and the River Thames, Temple Church is one of London’s most remarkable historic landmarks. Founded in 1185 by the Knights Templar, its distinctive round nave, modelled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, echoes the church’s origins as a spiritual and strategic hub for the medieval warrior monks. Over the centuries, Temple Church has evolved from a Templar stronghold to a royal treasury and now stands at the heart of the English legal world, jointly owned by the Inner and Middle Temples.
Today, this ancient building is once again the focus of careful attention—not from knights or kings, but from conservationists. The carved stone arch of the West Door, which dates from the 12th century, and incorporates later additions and repairs, presents a compelling case study in the delicate balance between repair and restoration. We were invited to comment on proposals for the West Door, and the case was subsequently considered by the Casework Committee. Following our initial consultation response, further details have been provided by the appointed architects and a first phase of trials undertaken by a specialist conservator.
Sheltered within the open-sided west porch, the arch benefits from a stable microclimate, with previous issues of water ingress now resolved. The use of an inferior bed of Caen stone is believed to be the cause of the deterioration of the 19th century fabric and is a key driver for the current proposals. These Victorian interventions are in a markedly poor state in contrast to the remarkable survival and condition of the original 12th century carvings.
Various methods of consolidation—treatments designed to strengthen and protect the carvings—have been used in the 20th century. One such treatment, Brethane, was applied in the 1980s and has since discoloured. A further drawback of the use of Brethane is the potential concealment of any underlying erosion, leaving stone that appears stable but is, in fact, significantly deteriorated. These concerns, both visible and hidden, have prompted the need for further investigation and sensitive intervention.
We commend the project team for the extensive research that they have undertaken and for the continued involvement of a specialist conservator. Phase 1 of the project focused on investigative trials to inform the repair strategy. The proposed treatments range from the application of a sacrificial shelter coat to mortar repairs that carefully rebuild eroded surfaces, or, in extreme cases, the complete replacement of the stone.
A critical part of the repair strategy has been the careful selection of new stone. The project’s stone specialist has visited a Caen stone mine to assess the quality and consistency of the available beds, ensuring the material is suitable in both durability and size.
This case sits at the threshold between repair and restoration, and while the technical success of the trials is encouraging, our response remains firmly guided by the SPAB Approach and technical understanding. The West Door arch, with its blend of medieval and Victorian stonework, exemplifies many precious qualities of historic buildings – their age and beauty expressed through worn surfaces, patina, and the accumulated layers of time. The arch tells a story of continuity and change, where each phase contributes to the building’s narrative and significance.
The surviving 12th century carvings are of exceptional significance; to disguise new repairs in a way that diminishes the legibility of these ancient elements would erode the very qualities that make the arch so special. The previous repair campaigns, such as the Victorian interventions, have also added to the interest and significance of the arch.
In our view, the loss of carving or surface detail does not justify the reinstatement or replacement of a particular stone. We strongly encourage that decisions are considered stone by stone and guided by technical necessity rather than aesthetic ‘improvement’ or preference - such as to achieve visual uniformity or a desire to return the arch to a perceived point in time.
The West Door arch is a remarkable survival, and its care offers an opportunity to demonstrate the value of restraint, respect, and honesty in conservation. We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue regarding the repair of this important fabric.
You can learn more about the churches project on their website: templechurch.com