About
The Museum of the Order of St John tells the remarkable 900-year story of the Order of St John, from its origins as a crusader order caring for pilgrims in Jerusalem to its modern role through St John Ambulance. Located in the atmospheric 16th-century St John's Gate in Clerkenwell, once the entrance to the Priory of the Knights of St John in England, the museum houses extraordinary treasures including medieval armor, illuminated manuscripts, pharmaceutical jars, and ceremonial robes.
Visitors can explore the Tudor gatehouse, descend into the atmospheric 12th-century crypt of the Grand Priory Church, and discover how the Order's medieval mission of caring for the sick evolved into the modern St John Ambulance.
The collection includes rare artifacts from the Order's time in Rhodes and Malta, medical instruments, and items documenting the development of first aid. Guided tours reveal hidden rooms and stories of Knights Hospitaller who fought in the Crusades.
Categories:
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Busiest: Saturday
💡 Weekday mornings for peaceful exploration
💡 Visitor Tips
- Book the guided tour to access the Tudor rooms and 12th-century crypt
- The museum is compact but fascinating - allow at least an hour
- Look for the Maltese cross symbol throughout Clerkenwell - this was the Order's English headquarters
- The gatehouse itself is worth admiring from outside even if you don't visit the museum
- Combine with a visit to nearby Charterhouse or Smithfield
- Free entry makes this an excellent hidden gem
Highlights
The 12th Century Crypt
Atmospheric Norman crypt beneath St John's Gate, part of the original Grand Priory Church. With its stone vaulting and ancient atmosphere, this is one of the oldest church crypts in London, offering a tangible connection to the Knights Hospitaller who worshipped here 800 years ago.
The Tudor Gatehouse
Magnificent 16th-century gateway that once formed the southern entrance to the Priory of St John. The upper rooms contain oak paneling, heraldic glass, and portraits of Grand Masters. This is where William Hogarth's father ran a coffee house and where the Gentleman's Magazine was first published.
Rhodes Collection
Remarkable artifacts from the Order's period on Rhodes (1309-1522) including medieval armor, weapons, and illuminated manuscripts. The collection illustrates the military and hospitaller activities of the Knights during the Crusades.
The Maltese Cross
The eight-pointed cross symbol of the Order, representing the eight Beatitudes and the eight langues (tongues) of the medieval Order. Learn how this symbol evolved and its significance through 900 years.
Collections
The museum holds over 50,000 objects spanning 900 years of the Order's history.
Collections include medieval manuscripts and armor, Maltese silver, pharmaceutical jars from the Order's hospitals, ceremonial robes and regalia, paintings and prints, and archives documenting the Order's work.
The medical collection traces the development of first aid and ambulance services.
Rare items include the Wignacourt missal, medieval surgical instruments, and Victorian ambulance equipment.
The Story of the Order
From Jerusalem Crusader hospital to modern St John Ambulance
📍 Main galleries
Knights of Malta
The Order's military history and artifacts from Rhodes and Malta
📍 Main galleries
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.