You see a majestic gatehouse standing in front of you. It evokes a sense of history and intrigue. It’s St John’s Gate, the grand entrance to the Priory of St John in Clerkenwell, London. Founded in 1140, this place was the English headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, a religious and military order that dedicated itself to caring for the sick and defending Christians during the Crusades.
The Knights Hospitaller, often called the Knights of St John or the Knights of Malta, were known for their white eight-pointed cross, which is still the symbol of the modern Order of St John today. The Order’s roots go back to Jerusalem where they established a hospice to care for pilgrims. The Clerkenwell Priory served as their base, and the imposing gatehouse you see was built in 1504.
The Order of St John has a rich and tangled history. Its existence in Britain was interrupted in 1540 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. While the Order was briefly restored by his daughter, Queen Mary I, it was dissolved again by Queen Elizabeth I. This historic gatehouse, however, stood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of change.
In the 19th century, a group of Victorian gentlemen, inspired by the Knights Hospitaller’s work, revived the Order in England. They focused on charitable activities and created St John Ambulance which provided first aid and ambulance services across the country. That same spirit of humanitarian care that began in Jerusalem centuries ago continues to this day.
St John’s Gate is a place where history comes alive. You can see the Chapter Hall, an impressive chamber, the Old Chancery Room, and the 12th-century crypt, one of the oldest in London! The Order’s story is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of compassion, faith, and service.