Built in 1760, the Temple has been restored several times and served different purposes in its history. Although the current building’s designer remains a mystery, the exterior’s Tuscan style is a product of the vision of John 2nd Earl Tylney (1712 to 1784), the owner of Wanstead house in the latter half of the 18th century. Inspired by what he had seen on a tour of Europe, Tylney wanted to replicate the remains of ancient Rome in Wanstead, and duly started planning his architectural ode to classical civilisation.
The Temple Richard Arnopp, a local historian and member of Friends of Wanstead Parklands, has had a keen interest in the Temple from a young age.