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

Christmas closure period

The Museum’s last day of opening before Christmas will be Thursday 21st December. We will reopen in the new year on Wednesday 3rd January 2024.

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Booking essential, Concert, Late at the Gate

Thursday 30th November

19:00
Carols in the Crypt

Join HEXAD Collective as they ring in the Yuletide with a festive Christmas carol concert in the atmospheric surroundings of our medieval crypt.

HEXAD Collective was founded by Daniel Gethin in 2019, specialising in vocal chamber music, underpinned by an interest in musical texture and imaginative programming. The ensemble comprises 8 regular members, granting flexibility to allow the unique resonance of different pairings of voices within the group to shine through.

Doors open 18:30. Local historic tavern, The Sekforde, will be running a bar after the concert, including delicious mulled wine.

The performance takes place in the twelfth-century Norman crypt of the Priory Church on the north side of St John’s Square (EC1V 4JJ). For exact location please use what3words:///pardon.thing.fuzzy

The crypt is accessible by stairs only. You can find all the access information for our venue here. For assistance planning your visit please email museum@sja.org.uk, or call us on 020 7324 4005 (lines monitored Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm).

Book Tickets Here

#LateAtTheGate

Image credit: Harry Flynn

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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 Archive

Explore Your Archive and the theme of #EYAArt

Posted 30 November 2023
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

This week is Explore Your Archive week, an annual celebration of all things archive-y, organised by the Archives & Records Association (UK & Ireland) to encourage everyone to visit, use, celebrate, and be inspired by archives across the UK & Ireland. On today’s theme of #EYAArt, Archivist Sophie Denman showcases the illustrative work in one of St John Ambulance’s early publications: First Aid to the Injured. Read more

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St John Archive, World War Two, St John in Wartime

Explore Your Archive and the theme of #EYASmall

Posted 28 November 2023
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

This week is Explore Your Archive week, an annual celebration of all things archive-y, organised by the Archives & Records Association (UK & Ireland) to encourage everyone to visit, use, celebrate, and be inspired by archives across the UK... Read more

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St John Archive

Explore Your Archive and the theme of #EYABig

Posted 27 November 2023
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

This week is Explore Your Archive week, an annual celebration of all things archive-y, organised by the Archives & Records Association (UK & Ireland) to encourage everyone to visit, use, celebrate, and be inspired by archives across the UK & Ireland. On today’s theme of #EYABig, we'll explore a big scrapbook from the St John Ambulance Brigade’s 50th anniversary in 1937. Read more

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St John Archive

An introduction to digital preservation at the St John Archive

Posted 2 November 2023
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

World Digital Preservation Day is celebrated annually on the first Thursday of November; an opportunity for data creators, archivists, curators, and many others to shout about the benefits and opportunities of digital preservation. In celebration of World Digital Preservation Day, Archivist Sophie Denman shares an insight into digital preservation at the St John Archive. Read more

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St John Archive

An update on the Museum's Archives Revealed cataloguing project!

Posted 6 October 2023
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman, Archivist

Archivist Sophie Denman provides an update on the progress of the Museum's Archives Revealed cataloguing project. 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: