The Museum of the Order of St John

The unique and fascinating story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in eleventh century Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance, the international first aid charity.

What our visitors say

  • "I absolutely loved it. Such an interesting topic and so well presented. One of my favourite museum experiences ever."
  • "What a gem of a museum! Thank you for an interesting and enlightening visit."
  • "The receptionist is one of the most cheerful and friendly people I've ever met!"

News and events

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Off the Shelves at St John's Gate: A Podcast Series

On 13th May 2024 we will be launching a new podcast series featuring new research into the history of the Order of St John in the later medieval and early modern periods – when the Order was headquartered on Rhodes and Malta, and our priory here in London was built. Each episode begins as we take an item off the shelves from our historic library collection, and explore different aspects of our history that it leads us to investigate.

To find out more and download the latest episode head to the Podcast page.

Off the Shelves at St John’s Gate: a Podcast Series – Museum of the Order of St John (museumstjohn.org.uk.uk.uk)

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New Publication: For Service in the Cause of Humanity

Marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Order of St John’s Life Saving Medal, For Service in the Cause of Humanity, edited by Roger Willoughby and John Wilson, critically documents the previously untold story of these highly prestigious but little-known awards. 

Buy yours online from the Great British Bookshop.

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  • View of the interior of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Priory Church of the Order of St John. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the interior of the Crypt of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Crypt. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the Link Gallery of the Museum of the Order of St John The Link Gallery. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Cloister Garden. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Chapter Hall. © MOSJ

Blog

St John Archive

What was going on at St John Ambulance 100 years ago?

Posted 13 May 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

In this blog, Archivist Sophie Denman explores what was going on at St John Ambulance 100 years ago by looking at the May 1924 issue of First Aid, the independent journal for the ambulance and nursing services. Read more

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A black and white image of nine women , 5 of them wearing nurses uinforms consisting of white aprons.
10 Minute Talks, World War One

Nursing Through Conflict: St John Ambulance Nurses during the First World War

Posted 12 May 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Immie Meade, Collections Inventory Assistant

In this blog post for International Nurse's Day, Collections Inventory Assistant, Immie Meade, explores the important role St John Ambulance Nurses have played historically. Read more

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St John Archive, History, Uncategorized

The Creation of the St John Ambulance Association

Posted 10 April 2024
Museum of the Order of St John

Last year, the Archive received a £35k grant from Archives Revealed, a funding partnership between The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Wolfson Foundation, to sort and catalogue the early records of St John Ambulance. In celebration of the Archives Revealed project, Archivist Sophie Denman has chosen the St John Ambulance Association as the subject of her latest blog post, exploring the national and international aid background in the years preceding its creation, the Order of St John’s early ambulance work, and their eventual creation of the Association in 1877. Read more

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A black and white photograph of two women dressed in light long dresses and light tops and seated in front of a large wooden structure on wheels. The structure is a mobile hospital, with two windows either side of the door. The First Aid Hospital used by the Bristol Corps of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Uncategorized

What was going on at St John Ambulance 100 years ago?

Posted 22 March 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Sophie Denman (Archivist)

Let's take a look at St John Ambulance's past and discover some of its adventures in 1924. Read more

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Medical History, St John Archive, History, Uncategorized

Exploring Early St John Ambulance Equipment

Posted 7 March 2024
Museum of the Order of St John Annie Lord (Project Cataloguer) Immie Meade (Collections Inventory Assistant)

[caption id="attachment_21187" align="aligncenter" width="600"] St John Ambulance Association Horse Ambulance Carriages and Ashford Litter equipment advertisements, 1880s.[/caption] If you found yourself in London around the late 19th century and... Read more

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Sponsors

The Museum of the Order of St John would like to thank all those who have supported and continue to support its work. In particular, the Museum would like to thank the following for their generosity: