While walking along Fleet Street, just past Wildly & Sons bookshop, keep an eye out for small stone arch. Just above the arch is an elaborate Jacobean Townhouse. This is the portal to “Temple”, once the stronghold of The Knights Templar.

Famously known as a Medieval order, The Knights Templar, are integral figures in The Crusades. The knights protected pilgrims along the dangerous route to Jerusalem. They became incredibly wealthy by running a sort of bank for the pilgrims. Before setting out on their journey, a pilgrim would give the knights all of their money in exchange for a promissory note to be redeemed in Jerusalem.

Fans of The Da-Vinci Code will remember the puzzling “In London lies a knight a Pope interred. His labour’s fruit a Holy wrath incurred. You seek the orb that out be on his tomb. It speaks of Rosy flesh and seeded womb.“
Tom Hanks character, Robert Langdon finds himself at Temple Church to find it’s answer.

Should you be on your own Grail Quest check out the Temple’s website for information on how to visit.