Hidden behind a rather bland 1950s entrance front St John’s Church stands proudly. This is no ordinary church. It occupies a site steeped in history. It’s the location of the original round-naved Hospitaller church from the twelfth century.
St John’s Church boasts a fascinating past. It was part of the Priory of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The Order was powerful. Their English headquarters were right here. The priory grew wealthy. They built grand structures including this church.
The church has witnessed dramatic events. During the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 a mob stormed the Tower of London. They found Archbishop Simon Sudbury attending mass in St John’s Chapel. They dragged him out and executed him on Tower Hill. This chilling event forever marked this sacred space.
For centuries St John’s served the Knights of the Bath. From 1100 to about 1312 they were inducted here. They took a ritual bath. They held vigil before royal coronations. These knights escorted the monarch to Westminster Abbey. This ancient ceremony took place within these very walls.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII dramatically altered St John’s Church. The nave and bell tower were destroyed. The remaining chancel side aisles and crypt were repurposed. They were used as storage by the Offices of the Tents and Revels. Later it became a private chapel then a parish church. It continued to serve as a place of worship throughout its complex history.
The church suffered extensive damage during the Blitz of 1941. It was ravaged by fire. After the war it was extensively reconstructed. The architects Seely & Paget undertook the rebuilding. They carefully preserved what they could of the original structure. Today’s St John’s Church is a testament to both its ancient past and its enduring resilience. It’s a blend of old and new a living history.
The crypt of St John’s Church holds captivating artifacts. Here lies the effigy of Sir William Weston. He was Prior of the Order of St John. He died on the very day the priory was dissolved in 1540. The effigy is a chilling reminder of this pivotal moment in history. Another effigy is that of Don Juan Ruiz de Vergara a Castilian Knight Hospitaller. He died at sea fighting the Turks. The crypt serves as a unique historical museum within the church itself. It’s a powerful testament to the long and complex history of St John’s Church. It’s a sacred space with stories to tell.