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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Treasures

We are delighted to be selling copies of Treasures- Highlights from the Collection of the Museum of the Order of St John.

Featuring over 250 images accompanied by selected essays that provide engaging and informative commentaries on the story of St John, Treasures is the first book that uses the unique collections of the Museum of the Order of St John to explore this story of faith, care, and valour, from the Order’s foundation in eleventh century Jerusalem through to its vital role today as a global humanitarian charity.

You can order a copy here.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Priory of England and the Islands in support of future investment in the Museum collections and buildings, to increase accessibility and to enable greater public engagement.

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2019 Public Programme: Royal Connections

We are pleased to announce our 2019 public programme. Following the success of our Malta theme last year, this year’s public events will all be around the theme of Royal Connections. Have a look at the events page on our website or download a programme here. We look forward to seeing you!

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READ MORE ABOUT OUR EVENTS

Tour Cancellation

Please note that there will be no 2.30pm public tour on Friday 21st June due to an internal event taking place in the Museum buildings. Our tour schedule will be back to normal after this, starting with the 11.00am tour on Saturday 22nd June.

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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

Volunteering, Collection Highlights

A collection of majolica pharmacy jars at the Museum of the Order of St John

Posted 24 June 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Alberto Filippo Rapisarda, Collections Volunteer

From 15th April 2019 to 17th May 2019 Alberto Filippo Rapisarda, a student at the University of Udine in Italy, undertook a thorough investigation of the Museum's collection of majolica pharmacy jars. The resulting research has greatly improved the... Read more

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A busy crowded scene with St John men collecting a casualty St John Ambulance men deal with a casualty in Trafalgar Square
#RoyalConnections, History

St John Ambulance Brigade and Elizabeth II Coronation

Posted 31 May 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which took place on 2nd June 1953, was a spectacular event. Unsurprisingly, an event of this scale required detailed planning and preparation. Westminster Abbey was closed to the public for five months to allow... Read more

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#RoyalConnections, Wednesday Talks

The Royal Supporters

Posted 20 May 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Jessica Swift, Museum Assistant

Why are there Lions and Unicorns in the symbol of The Order of St John? They symbol for the order is a white, eight-pointed cross known as a ‘Maltese Cross’, whose eight points represent the eight ‘obligations’ or ‘aspirations’,... Read more

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Volunteering

Friendship and St John Ambulance

Posted 20 May 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

St John Ambulance could not provide first aid care to the public without the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers who attend regular meetings and keep up-to-date with the latest practices. Through volunteering, many life long... Read more

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photograph of a runner being carried by two St John men
History

The Inaugural London Marathon – 29th March 1981

Posted 17 April 2019
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

Perhaps predictably, London drizzle set the scene for the inaugural London Marathon which took place on 29th March 1981. The event had been organised by the Greater London Council with sponsorship from the razor producer Gillette. Out of 20,000... 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: