TEMPLES, among us, denote two inns of court in London, thus called, because anciently the dwelling-house of the knight's templars. At the suppression of that order, they were purchased by the professors of the common law, and converted into hospitia or inns. They are called the inner and middle temple, in relation to Essex-house; which was also a part of the house of the templars, and called the outer temple, because situated without Temple-Bar. In the middle temple, during the time of the templars, the king's treasure was kept; as was also that of the kings of France in the house of the templars at Paris. The chief officer was the master of the temple, who was summoned to parliament in 47 Hen. III. and from him the chief minister of the temple-church is still called master of the temple.