The Temple is the ancient home of the Inns of Court which formed the basis of the English legal system. After the Great Fire of London, Temple Bar was rebuilt with the heads of traitors mounted on spikes atop the new structure. These included the heads of would-be Royal assassins Sir Thomas Armstrong, Sir William Perkins and Sir John Friend, providing an object lesson to passing Londoners not to rebel against their anointed monarchs. Enterprising merchants hired out looking glasses for a halfpenny each so Londoners could get a better view of this gruesome tourist attraction and on windy days there was a danger to passers-by from falling heads.

The Temple is said to be stalked by the ghost of Sir Henry Hawkins, a notorious 19th century “hanging judge” who presided over several of the most famous murder trials of the Victorian era. Other ghosts who have been seen in the area are that of the writer Oliver Goldsmith, who is buried nearby, and a cavalier who haunts the George pub.

This tour, led by Blue Badge tourist guide Kate Davey, will include entrance to Temple Church, built by the Knights Templar as their English base and where in 1215 King John met up with the Barons to negotiate the Magna Carta.

Tickets £12. Please click here to purchase.