Originally this formed the riverbank of the Liffey estuary before the construction of the Quays. It was spelt as 'Temple Barr'. Was the site of the gardens and mansion of Sir William Temple, provost of Trinity in 1609. The street has given its name to the entire area bounded on the north by the river Liffey, to the east the old Houses of Parliament, to the west Parliament Street and to the south Dame Street.