The Museum of the Order of St John

This museum is located in a Tudor gatehouse, which dates from 504, once the entrance to the medieval priory of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

The Knights Hospitaller under the Order of St John were founded in the 12th century to care for weary pilgrims and Crusaders. In 1140 the Order was given land in Clerkenwell to establish a priory as its English headquarters.

The Order flourished here for over 400 years and was the start of the modern St John's Ambulance Brigade which was formed in 1877. Over the years the priory buildings have used for offices for Queen Elizabeth I's Master of Revels, a public house, and even a coffee shop run by William Hogarth's father. From 1731 - 1754 the building housed the offices of Edward Cave's 'Gentlemen's Magazine', and Dr Johnson, a contributor to the magazine, worked here.

Today the building is the headquarters of the British Order of St John.

The museum traces the history of the Order from the days of the Knights Hospitaller to the modern work of St John's Ambulance Brigade. On display is a collection of books dating from 1425, arms and armour, paintings, ceramics, Maltese silver and furniture. Other exhibits include pharmacy jars, medical instruments and historic First-Aid collections.

A multi-media interactive exhibition shows the work of St John's Ambulance Brigade.

The rest of the building can be seen on guided tours, which includes the Chapter Hall, Council Chamber, Old Chancery and the new church, as well as the 12th century Crypt, the only remaining part of the original building. The site of the priory's original circular church is marked out in cobbles in St John's Square, just north of the gate.

Donations requested. Museum shop.

To see the Priory Church, Norman Crypt, North Chapel and St John's Gate join one of the public tours