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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Temple Church Click to expand image Temple Church

Additional tickets for evening talk on Wednesday 5th June

On Wednesday 5th June the Museum and the St John Historical Society are delighted to welcome The Rev Dr Robin Griffith-Jones, the Reverend and Valiant Master of the Temple at the Temple Church, to deliver the talk Round Churches: Re-presenting Jerusalem. The talk will take place at the Priory Church of the Order of St John, and there will be a chance to visit the stunning Norman crypt.

Additional tickets have become available for this talk. Please contact museum@sja.org.uk to confirm availability and reserve your ticket.

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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

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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St John Archive, St John People, History, Uncategorized

Exploring St John People: The Inspiring Work of Humanitarian Sir Vincent Kennett Barrington

Posted 23 July 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Joyce Guillaume (Archives Revealed Project Volunteer)

Highly skilled organizer for the relief of war sick and wounded, aeronaut, inventor of improved horse nose bag and writer on river pollution.  Just some of the activities of Sir Vincent Kennett Barrington, who by the time of his death in 1903 had become Deputy Chairman of St John Ambulance Association. In this blog, Archives Revealed Project Volunteer Joyce Guillaume explores the life and work of early St John Ambulance Association figure Sir Vincent Kennett Barrington. Read more

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The title page of 'Il lacrimoso lamento' features the title of the work and a woodcut illustration depicting an Early Modern ship docked in the harbour of a city. The title page of 'Il lacrimoso lamento'.
St John Library, 10 Minute Talks, Books

Exploring the Mellows Library: Highlights from our Collection

Posted 12 July 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Simone Monti (Project Librarian)

The Museum of the Order of St John holds an extensive library collection of historical and modern resources which provide scholars, students and enthusiasts with invaluable materials to explore and research the captivating history of the Order.... Read more

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Each week the student would work on their project in the Chapter Hall at St John's Gate, the historic head quarters of the Order of St John and St John Ambulance.
St John People

London College of Fashion Postgraduate Collaborative Project with The Museum of the Order of St John

Posted 9 July 2024
Museum of the Order of St John

In October 2023 the Museum of the Order of St John welcomed 36 postgraduate students from the London College of Fashion, as they began their 10-week Collaborative Challenge Unit. The students worked closely with items from the Museum’s extensive... Read more

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Slaves at work in Sandy Point Estate, ca. 1795
History

How the Sweetness of Sugar Cane brought the Order of Malta to the Caribbean

Posted 9 July 2024
Museum of the Order of St John

This blog explores the history of the Order of Malta as the only organisation, rather than country, to own and colonise Caribbean islands and the Order's resulting, prominent, involvement in the slave and sugar trades. 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: