The Museum of the Order of St John

The unique and fascinating story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in eleventh century Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance, the international first aid charity.

What our visitors say

  • “When you feel the world is going mad, come here. You will see that for years and all over the world, some people care for others. Humanity is good. Thanks to all these people.”
  • "Lovely visit, my 5 year old son enjoyed the children's activity trail which we did together - very engaging, thank you!"
  • "Thank you to the kind man at reception who helped with Dad’s wheelchair! Great museum!"
  • "St John Ambulance saved my life on 1st March 2015 so I came here to learn more. Keep up the good work!"

News and events

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Pop-Up Cinema

A Man for All Seasons, Thursday 12th September

Drinks from 6pm, film starts at 7pm.

This unique cinema screening is perfect for anyone who loves history and cinema.

Enjoy summer drinks in the beautiful Cloister Garden in Clerkenwell before an exclusive screening of this BAFTA, Academy Award, and Golden Globe winning film in the atmospheric surroundings of a 12th century crypt.

A Man for All Seasons tells the story of Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the King rejected the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarry. It features a royal flush of acting talent from the 1960’s, including Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, and Robert Shaw.

From 6.00pm guests will be able to enjoy drinks and access to the Cloister Garden and Crypt. The screening will begin at 7.00pm.

Tickets must be bought in advance via eventbrite and cost £15 plus booking fee.

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Garden closure

Please be aware that the garden will be closed for a public event on Wednesday 4th September.

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Late at the Gate, Royal Connections

Wednesday 24th July - Wednesday 28th August

6:30-8pm
Survey St John’s Gate with Henry VIII

Survey St John’s Gate with Henry VIII

The year is 1541, and Henry VIII has invited you to join him for a celebratory drink in historic St John’s Gate. He will take you on an exclusive tour, as he appraises the latest monastic addition to his property portfolio.

6pm – Exclusive access to Museum Galleries after hours.

6:30pm – Join Henry VIII for a glass of wine or a small ale before you survey St John’s Gate.

7:30pm – Exclusive access to the Museum Galleries after hours.

Book your tickets here.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR EVENTS
READ MORE ABOUT OUR EVENTS

October Crypt Closure

Please note that due to essential maintenance work, tours will not be able to access the Crypt from 1st October to  25th October 2019. Thursday tours will also not take place during this time.

We sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused.

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  • View of the interior of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Priory Church of the Order of St John. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the interior of the Crypt of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Crypt. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the Link Gallery of the Museum of the Order of St John The Link Gallery. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Cloister Garden. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Chapter Hall. © MOSJ

Blog

Image of the crypt looking down the nave. Low arches can be seen leading towards an alter and a large window.
#RoyalConnections, History, Wednesday Talks

A Royal Visitor: Henry II Visits the Priory of the Order of St John

Posted 21 August 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

Although the Order of St John had existed in Jerusalem since the 1080s, they only began receiving land in England and Scotland in the 1130s and 1140s. The Priory here at Clerkenwell was first established in 1144 on land granted by Jordan de Bricet... Read more

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Girl reading a book in front of a wall covered in books
History

Behind the Scenes: Family History Research

Posted 14 August 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Rachel Job, Isobel MacAuslan and Jess Swift, Museum Assistants

The museum team regularly receive emails from people hoping to make an enquiry into an individual who had a connection to St John Ambulance and/or the Order of St John. Our three Museum Assistants, Jess, Rachel and Isobel, spend much of their time... Read more

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St John's Gate in the sunshine
Uncategorized

You Comment, We Respond: An Update

Posted 13 August 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

We continue to act on feedback we get from visitors via our Comment Board and visitor surveys. It is useful for us to know if there is anything that is missing from the museum or that could enhance your visit. That way, we can work to improve our... Read more

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A large round jar, colourfully painted.
Volunteering, Collection Highlights

Una collezione di vasetti per farmacia in maiolica presso il Museo dell'Ordine di San Giovanni

Posted 29 July 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Alberto Filippo Rapisarda, Collections Volunteer

Dal 15 aprile 2019 al 17 maggio 2019 Alberto Filippo Rapisarda, uno studente dell'Università di Udine in Italia, ha intrapreso un'indagine approfondita sulla collezione del Museo di vasetti per farmacia in maiolica. La ricerca risultante ha... Read more

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ALT="" © National Portrait Gallery, London
#RoyalConnections, History, Wednesday Talks

A Family Affair: Queen Victoria’s family and the Order of St John

Posted 21 July 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Rachel Job, Museum Assistant

In 2019 the Museum is exploring the Order of St John's unique connections to royalty throughout its 900-year history.  [caption id="attachment_16896" align="aligncenter" width="712"] © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] Queen... Read more

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Sponsors

The Museum of the Order of St John would like to thank all those who have supported and continue to support its work. In particular, the Museum would like to thank the following for their generosity: