The Museum of the Order of St John tells a unique and fascinating story — the story of the Order of St John — from its origins in eleventh century Jerusalem, through to its role today with St John Ambulance and the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.
This story highlights how, from founding a hospital to care for sick pilgrims in eleventh century Jerusalem, St John has maintained its caring role to the present day, working on numerous humanitarian projects worldwide.
The Museum occupies two sites in Clerkenwell: St John’s Gate, which dates from 1504; and the Priory Church of St John with its surviving twelfth century Crypt.
What our visitors think
A very enjoyable tour. The guides were marvellous and knew what they were talking about. Look forward to another visit.
The Museum has a fabulous, well organised display; historic and clear, enjoyable to see.
Thank you to the kind man at reception who helped with Dad’s wheelchair! Great museum!
Visits to the Museum of the Order of St John are free of charge. For guided tours we suggest a donation of £5 (£4 concessions).
Latest News
Volunteers in the Theatre of War
The Museum of the Order of St John has received £69,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to tell the story of Veronica Nisbet, a Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurse who served at the St John Ambulance Brigade Hospital in Étaples, northern France during the First World War.
For more information please download the press release.
February’s 10 Minute Talk
Discover more about the museum, the Order of St John, St John Ambulance and the history of Clerkenwell at our series of free lunchtime talks.
VOLUNTARY HOSPITALS IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR
- Dates: Wednesday 11th February
- Time: 12:30pm
Using documents newly discovered about Voluntary Auxiliary Hospitals in the archives of the Order of St. John, this talk will look at how these institutions were run and whether the evidence supports or challenges commonly held beliefs about voluntary hospitals in the war.
During the First World War the Order of St. John set up and ran hundreds of voluntary hospitals in private homes and public buildings across the U.K. Public support for these hospitals was immense but how did this change as the War dragged on? What made people give up their time, their money and their homes for the war effort? And what process did people have to go through to get their hospitals up and running?
Find out how these hospitals were administered by organisations such as the Order of St. John and some of the trials involved with undertaking such a massive operation.
10 Minute Talks
Find out more about the museum, the history of the Order of St John and St John Ambulance at our series of lunchtime talks. Further details can be found in the Event Diary.
