Museum of the Order of Saint John

Nestled away in the charming Clerkenwell district of London lies a treasure trove of history – The Museum of the Order of St John. While it may not be the most well-known museum in the city, a visit here is a rewarding experience for anyone interested in chivalry, medical history, and the fascinating story of a centuries-old order.

From the moment you step through the historic gatehouse, you're transported back in time. Interactive displays and informative panels bring the story of the Order of St John to life, from its humble beginnings as a hospice for pilgrims in Jerusalem to its modern-day role as a global humanitarian organisation.

The museum delves into the Order's rich history of caring for the sick and injured. Exhibits showcase fascinating medical instruments from bygone eras, shedding light on the evolution of medicine over the centuries. The dedication of the Knights Hospitaller, the Order's military-medical branch, is particularly inspiring, highlighting the long tradition of service that continues to this day with St John Ambulance.

Whether you're a history buff fascinated by medieval orders or simply curious about the origins of St John Ambulance, The Museum of the Order of St John is a gem waiting to be discovered. It offers a unique glimpse into a fascinating past, reminding us of the enduring power of compassion and service.

Excellent museum. Great tours. Lovely staff. Clean facilities.

Exquisite architecture, the Museum of the Order has a lot charm, elegance housing thousand of years of knowledge. The Order has a fascinating history of serving others in need and battles to keep this missing alive.
It was moving seeing extraordinary paintings and statues of Good Samaritan. Also see the extraordinary work of Christians, Muslims and Jews working to serve those in need, the poor and the sick.

Museum is free.
Several tours are available which includes the Orders crypt, church and rooms.
The museum traces the history of the order from Jerusalem through expulsion and running battles through Rhodes to Malta with the expanding Muslim empire in the Mediterranean. And the Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The order was restored under Queen Victoria.

You can walk past this small museum and not even know it is there. Tucked inside an old gate house that dates back to 1504 is a great little museum tracking the history of the Order of Saint John. If the name is familiar it is because today this ancient order is now in fact Saint John's Ambulance service.
Even though it is small it is full of well laid out and well presented artifacts. The history of the order is fascinating and amazing to find out.
The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful, I would thoroughly recommend that if you are in the area do visit.

Beautiful garden with thoughtful planting related to the Order of St John. Beautiful place to sit and enjoy, but also has fun facts scattered around. Would be perfect for families looking for an interesting outdoor activity.

Excellent museum with rich history of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance and associated organisations.
Beautiful historic venue, would highly recommend taking a tour for a small donation, it’s the only way you can access some parts of the old buildings, church & crypt, the volunteers and staff are so knowledgeable, friendly & helpful.

Free admission. Highly recommend the guided tour as it covers a great part of the Order's history over the various areas. The tour also takes you across the street to the Priory Church of St. John. My visit was 3 hours. Gift shop present.

A small, but thoughtful space with friendly staff happy to chat. Interested in their future events will look to go back. Free entry with optional donations. Small gift shop but nice items 🙂

This is a hidden gem in this part of London. I went on the guided tour and learnt a lot about the rise and fall of the order both in this country and abroad especially Malta.

The order dates back to the First Crusade. It was re-established in England by Queen Victoria and it is now more famous for the St Johns Ambulance which is a volunteer first aid organisation.

The museum and rooms themselves are very interesting and then it is a short walk to the Italian Gardens and the Priory Church and Crypt.

This is definitely worth visiting and going on a guided tour around

A small but informative and we'll considered museum. Great place to understand the history and current forms of what was the Knights Hospitaliers.

I popped in here this afternoon having some time to kill. This is a nice, compact and very informative free museum about the St John's movement.

I had a fascinating visit which was very illuminating and covers everything from the foundation of the order as a mediaeval military organisation through to the modern day medical experts.

It’s a very good place to spend few minutes. The museum itself is a great piece of architecture.
Very nice staff and very welcoming.

A gem of a museum in the heart of London. The museum in the Gate tells the story of the order right up to the present day. Suitable for all ages.
The priory across a busy road has a nice garden and further displays.
Well worth a visit.

Well, hardly any people are aware of this historical gem. The tours are a must and the museum is very well laid out. Thank You very much gor an informative and enjoyable weekend. X

Amazing to see the history of st john ambulance in so much depth. As a volunteer myself, was interesting learning about my organisation's history

Was given a tour as I'm looking for a historical location for an event, it did not disappoint. Was given the tour by a very knowledgeable Zacharia. Thank you

Hidden gem with interesting historical items on display, located in a beautifully preserved building.

Excellent presentation of the history of St John. Ensure you attend on days the Church, Crypt and apstairs areas are available to view and take some time to sit in the church garden for peaceful reflection.

Wonderful experience from the moment I entered the building from friendly, helpful staff and the Wonderful, informative displays.
Full of interesting historical facts, presented in an easy to digest format.
I enjoyed it so much that I returned a few days later.