Where It's Located
The London England Temple is located at West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey RH7 6HW, England, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of central London. Despite its name, the temple is not actually within Greater London but is set on a peaceful 32-acre estate in the Surrey countryside. The grounds include patron housing, an arrival center, a distribution center, and the historic Manor House, an Elizabethan-style mansion that has served a variety of Church purposes over the years.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is London Gatwick Airport (LGW), located just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the temple. Travelers from the United States can fly nonstop to London from cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and many others. From Gatwick Airport, the temple is typically a 10- to 15-minute drive, making it one of the easiest international temples to reach from a major airport.
A Bit of History
The London England Temple was announced by President David O. McKay on August 10, 1953, becoming the first temple built in the United Kingdom and the second temple in Europe, following the Bern Switzerland Temple. President McKay personally selected the temple site and even chose its exact location on the property, insisting that a magnificent centuries-old oak tree be preserved. Today, that tree is still known as the David O. McKay Oak.
Groundbreaking services were held on August 27, 1955, and following an open house attended by more than 76,000 visitors, President David O. McKay dedicated the temple on September 7–9, 1958. The dedication made it the 12th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the dedicatory services, President McKay also celebrated his 85th birthday.
Between 1990 and 1992, the temple underwent a major renovation that expanded its capacity by adding a fourth floor, increasing the number of ordinance rooms and sealing rooms, and modernizing the building. President Gordon B. Hinckley rededicated the temple on October 18–20, 1992. In 2008, an angel Moroni statue was added to the spire by helicopter as part of the temple's 50th anniversary renovations.
Design and Architecture
The London England Temple contains approximately 42,652 square feet of floor space. Its exterior features a reinforced concrete and structural steel frame clad in white Portland limestone, with a single attached end spire sheathed in lead-coated copper and topped by an angel Moroni statue. The temple rises approximately 156 feet (47.5 meters) above the surrounding countryside.
Inside, the temple includes four instruction rooms, eight sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The extensive renovations completed in 1992 significantly increased the temple's capacity while preserving its elegant architectural character. The beautifully landscaped grounds, formal gardens, picturesque pond, and historic Manor House make the property one of the Church's most scenic temple sites in Europe.
Final Thoughts
The London England Temple holds a special place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the first temple in the United Kingdom and one of the earliest temples built outside North America, it has served generations of faithful Saints throughout England, Wales, and surrounding regions. Its rich history, beautiful countryside setting, and enduring legacy make it one of the Church's most iconic international temples.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
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