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

  • “A very enjoyable tour. The guides were marvellous. I look forward to another visit.”
  • "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

Storytelling © MOSJ Click to expand image Storytelling © MOSJ
Free Family Activity

Wednesday 26th July - Wednesday 30th August

12:30pm - 3:30pm
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Lotions and Potions

Explore the Museum’s beautiful garden and discover the many magical properties of its healing herbs. All activities are drop-in, and will take place on Wednesdays throughout the summer between 12:30pm and 3pm.

Marvellous medicine making with storytelling from 1:30pm – Wednesday, 26th July

Lavender pillows with storytelling from 1:30pm – Wednesday, 2nd August

Medieval soap balls – Wednesday, 9th August

Poison and potion bottles – Wednesday, 16th August

Fingerprint art snail water recipe with storytelling from 1:30pm – Wednesday, 23rd August

Petal perfumes with storytelling from 1:30pm – Wednesday, 30th August

To find out more about our free family activities, please see our 2017 flyer.

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Public tour cancellation

We are sorry to announce that, owing to an event taking place at the Museum, the 2.30pm public tour on Saturday 5th August will not be taking place.  The Museum galleries will be open as usual.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Special Event

Thursday 7th September - Sunday 10th September

The Military Orders: Piety, Pugnacity, Property

From 7th to 10th September 2017, the Museum of the Order of St John will be hosting the seventh international conference of the London Centre for the Study of the Crusades. The Centre was established in 1989 to promote research, discussion, and the dissemination of knowledge in this academic field.

Applications to attend the conference should be made via the conference website.   If you wish to submit a proposal for a paper, the website gives further information on the application process.  The conference standard fee is £100 or, for students, £55. 

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Guided tours of St John's Gate

In partnership with the Clerkenwell and Islington Guiding Association, the Museum offers a range of public and private guided tours.  Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a fascinating journey through the rich history of the Order of St John and St John Ambulance; whilst taking in the exquisite interiors of St John’s Gate, the Priory Church and the 12th century crypt.

Public tours run on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11am and 2.30pm and take approximately 80 minutes.

Private tours may be arranged by contacting Justin Bailey at justin.bailey@sja.org.uk.

There is a suggested donation of £5 (£4 concessions) per person for the provision of tours.

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Priory Church View 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

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History, Wednesday Talks

The Girl in the Seine and the History of CPR

Posted 14 June 2017
Museum of the Order of St John Sarah Wilkinson, Museum and Events Assistant

Historians today can look back as far as the year 800BCE to find references to attempting to resuscitate people who have drowned. Read more

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ALT="" Tom transcribing a book of letters from 1915.
Volunteering

National Volunteers' Week: Tom Seal, Transcribing Volunteer

Posted 1 June 2017
Museum of the Order of St John Tom Seal, Transcribing Volunteer

I’ve been volunteering at the Museum of the Order of St John for over three years now, and have done lots of work in the Archives, sorting and transcribing documents. Read more

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ALT="Front page of the first edition of the Gentleman's Magazine 1731"
Wednesday Talks

The Rise and Fall of the Gentleman's Magazine

Posted 24 May 2017
Museum of the Order of St John Judi McGinley, Museum Assistant

The Gentleman’s Magazine was a highly successful publication which was founded in 1731 by Warwickshire businessman Edward Cave. It was Cave who coined the term ‘Magazine’ to describe a periodical, and for many years his monthly publication... Read more

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ALT="view of Caravaggio Fashion and Fabrics exhibition with painting in centre, text panel below and altar and mannequins showing historic fabrics on left" Exhibition display
Exhibition

Revolutionary Concepts at Caravaggio: Fashion & Fabrics

Posted 25 April 2017
Museum of the Order of St John Yannis Kostaris, freelance writer

This exhibition, which closed in January, was devoted to a study of the fabrics used by Caravaggio in his picture The Cardsharps, identified by the late Sir Denis Mahon in 2006 and now hanging in the Museum. Read more

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ALT="" Portrait of Countess Mountbatten of Burma by Arthur Pan, 1955 (LDOSJ:1864) Image © Museum of the Order of St John, Portrait © Estate of Edwina Mountbatten.
Wednesday Talks

Edwina Mountbatten; Before Viceroy’s House

Posted 12 April 2017
Museum of the Order of St John Hannah Agass, Learning and Access Officer

The media has long been fascinated by Edwina Mountbatten, eldest daughter of politician Wilfrid William Ashley, Baron Mount Temple of Lee and goddaughter to King Edward VII. One of the wealthiest and arguably most interesting of London’s 1920s... 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: