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

  • "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

Afternoon Museum Closure 16th December

Please note that the museum will be closing early on Monday 16th December. The galleries will be open from 10am to 1pm. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

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Christmas Closure

Please note that our last day open before Christmas will be Saturday the 21st December, when we will open from 10am – 5pm, with tours at 11am and 2:30pm. We will then be closed until Monday 13th January when we will re-open with usual opening times.

READ MORE ABOUT HIRING OUR VENUES
  • 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

The western half of a map of the mediterannean, painted in watercolour on vellum with a decorative boarder and annotations of coastal locations. LDOSJ 1438 ©MOSJ/Matt Spour 2019
History, Conservation

Portolan Chart Conservation

Posted 28 November 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Jessica Swift, Museum assistant

[caption id="attachment_16983" align="alignright" width="163"] LDOSJ 1438 ©MOSJ/Matt Spour 2019[/caption] Portolan Chart Nicola il Board Vellum, board and leather 1673 LDOSJ 1438 335x429mm     One of the items in our... Read more

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Black and white photograph of a parade float in the shape of a castle with a horse and people in historic dress.
History

The Order of St John and the Lord Mayor's Show

Posted 8 November 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Jessica Swift, Museum assistant

Much like the Order of St John, The Lord Mayor’s Show has its origins in the medieval period. In 1215, King John appointed a Mayor for London in an attempt to stabilise his tumultuous reign and appease those in London who wished to become a... Read more

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Oil painting depicting three St John Ambulance volunteers at a First Aid Post in the Second World War, by Rupert Shephard, 1940 Second World War First Aid Post, by Rupert Shephard, oil on canvas, 1940
History

St John during the Second World War

Posted 5 November 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

Throughout the Second World War (1939-1945), St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross worked hard to provide medical and welfare support for British civilians and soldiers. The conflict not only pervaded every aspect of daily life, but it also... Read more

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Photograph of an exhibition with several framed items on the wall
#RoyalConnections, Exhibition, History

Doing Your Duty: St John Ambulance at Royal Ceremonies and Celebrations

Posted 3 October 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

From weddings to funerals, coronations to jubilees, St John Ambulance has been on hand to assist at events relating to the British Monarchy for over 130 years. Public occasions encourage large crowds of people to gather to pay their respects and... Read more

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Black and white photograph of a procession. Some stretcher bearers are carrying a casualty in the street.
#RoyalConnections, Exhibition, History

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

Posted 3 October 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

The first Royal celebration that we have an extensive account of is Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee which was held on 22nd June 1897. The duty is given substantial coverage in the edition of First Aid published in July that year. First Aid... 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: