Behold St John’s Gate a majestic 16th-century gatehouse. This isn’t just any old building. This is the Museum of the Order of St John. Here within these walls lies a captivating history spanning centuries.
The Museum of the Order of St John tells a remarkable tale. It’s the story of the Venerable Order of Saint John. This powerful organization started as Hospitaller Knights in Jerusalem during the Crusades. Today it continues its mission through St John Ambulance providing first aid and care. The museum even highlights its work at an Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem.
Step inside St John’s Gate. This once served as the entrance to the Priory of Clerkenwell. Imagine Hospitaller Knights departing from this very spot. Their destinations were the Holy Land Cyprus Rhodes and Malta. They tended to pilgrims. They fought to protect Christian interests.
Explore the oldest parts of the medieval Priory. Descend into the Norman crypt. Marvel at the 16th-century church above. The building has a rich history extending beyond the Order itself. Shakespeare Dr Johnson Hogarth and Dickens all played a role in its story. The Order reacquired the Gate in the late 19th century. Now beautifully decorated it boasts stunning heraldry stained glass gilding and carvings. The interiors glow with magnificent artistry thanks to the work of John Oldrid Scott. You’ll see fine furniture and impressive paintings.
The Museum of the Order of St John’s collections are incredibly diverse. Archaeological finds architectural fragments and social history artifacts tell the Priory’s story. There are seals numismatics including Crusader coins. Arms and armor mostly European plate armor but also Ottoman mail are on display. Drug jars mortars and weights from the Hospitallers’ Maltese pharmacy are fascinating. Decorative arts portrait medals ceramics glass silver furniture jewelry insignia textiles and vestments reflect the tastes of aristocratic patrons.
The painting collection is a highlight. It showcases religious art particularly images of St John the Baptist. Portraits of Grand Masters Knights and clergy are featured. Maritime scenes and landscapes depicting naval battles and views of Malta are breathtaking. Prints and drawings include portraits topographical views and maps of Maltese fortifications. Even works by Alix Jennings a Second World War oil painter are included.
The St John Ambulance collection is equally compelling. It shows over 125 years of history across more than 40 countries. Equipment ranges from early ambulances to a Victorian nurse’s tiny first-aid kit. Uniforms medals trophies and certificates showcase the achievements of members. Personal memorabilia like Nurse Nesbit’s cartoons and Lyn Brown’s Belsen camp album provide poignant insights. A film archive and photographic collection offer glimpses into individual lives social change and the organization’s evolution.
The Museum of the Order of St John is more than a museum. It’s a journey through time. A testament to a legacy of service and compassion. A truly unforgettable experience awaits you within these historic walls.