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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

  • "I absolutely loved it. Such an interesting topic and so well presented. One of my favourite museum experiences ever."
  • "What a gem of a museum! Thank you for an interesting and enlightening visit."
  • "The receptionist is one of the most cheerful and friendly people I've ever met!"

News and events

Our new podcast series 'Off the Shelves at St John's Gate'. Click to expand image Our new podcast series 'Off the Shelves at St John's Gate'.

Off the Shelves at St John's Gate: A Podcast Series

On 13th May 2024 we will be launching a new podcast series featuring new research into the history of the Order of St John in the later medieval and early modern periods – when the Order was headquartered on Rhodes and Malta, and our priory here in London was built. Each episode begins as we take an item off the shelves from our historic library collection, and explore different aspects of our history that it leads us to investigate.

To find out more and download the latest episode head to the Podcast page.

Off the Shelves at St John’s Gate: a Podcast Series – Museum of the Order of St John

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Click to expand image

New Publication: For Service in the Cause of Humanity

Marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Order of St John’s Life Saving Medal, For Service in the Cause of Humanity, edited by Roger Willoughby and John Wilson, critically documents the previously untold story of these highly prestigious but little-known awards. 

Buy yours online from the Great British Bookshop.

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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

St John Ambulance Cadets on duty at the 1982 London Marathon, assisting one of the marathon finishers. (Image ref: A4981).
Uncategorized

World First Aid Day

Posted 13 September 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

World First Aid Day is held annually on 14th September, with the aim to ‘raise awareness about the significance of first aid, provide valuable resources for learning basic first aid techniques, and inspire individuals to become first aid champions in their communities’. In this blog post, Archivist Sophie Denman shares some historical first aid from the Archive. Read more

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Two white women with brown hair stood in front of the fireplace in Chapter Hall holding out a black tray containing multiple coins.
Coins, Bearers of the Cross

University of Birmingham Partnership - The Crusader Coin Collection

Posted 30 August 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Elizabeth and Ilenia, Volunteer Student Placements

Earlier this year, the Museum partnered with the University of Birmingham and two of their students to explore and interpret the internationally important crusader coin collection. Join Elizabeth and Ilenia below as they share their experience of volunteering at the Museum. Read more

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The poster of the podcast 'Off the shelves at St John's Gate'. It presents an illustration of a knight holding a book and the logos of the partners involved in the project (the Museum, the University of Manchester an the British Academy). Our new podcast series 'Off the Shelves at St John's Gate'.
St John Library, Books, History

Survival and Absence

Posted 20 August 2024
Museum of the Order of St John

In our recent podcast series with Dr Stephen Mossman we explored a number of fascinating subjects from the history of the Order of St John – pilgrimage, caring for the sick, and ritual to name just a few. But throughout the series other intriguing themes have also emerged. In this blog we will look at two of these themes briefly – survival and absence – as we prepare to record a follow-up podcast episode addressing questions and comments that have arisen. Read more

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Uncategorized

Exploring St John Ambulance Competitions: Historical and Personal Reflections

Posted 20 August 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Pat Halpin (Archives Revealed Project Volunteer)

In our latest blog post, Archives Revealed Project Volunteer Pat Halpin explores competitions, a key part of the St John Ambulance Association and Brigade, formed from a desire to improve standards and develop first aid knowledge.  Read more

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A carved stone effigy of a skeletal figure.
Uncategorized

Let’s Talk Tombs: The Cadaver Monument of Sir William Weston (c. 1470 – 1540)

Posted 26 July 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Elyssia Hughes, Commercial Events Steward

Today, many of us would refrain from over-focusing on thoughts of our own mortality. Yet our medieval counterparts would have begged to differ – with the prolificacy of famine, disease and war, they would have encountered death upfront much... 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: