The Museum of the Order of St John ~ July 2024

10 members of KURSA visited the Museum of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell.

The Knights Hospitallers were an international religious order, founded in 11th century Jerusalem, and the Clerkenwell Priory was founded in the 1140s as their headquarters here in England. 

St John's Gate and the Priory Church are evocative reminders of Clerkenwell's monastic past. Built in 1504, the Gate was built as the southern entrance to the inner precinct of the Priory.

Our very knowledgeable tour guide, Karen,  took us to the Priory Church, the original 12th century crypt which was consecrated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1195 which originally had a round nave modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, then  to  magnificent historic rooms.

The fascinating story of the ancient Order of St John originated in caring for sick pilgrims in 11th century Jerusalem, long before health services and first aid facilities,  and its modern-day role as the St John's Ambulance charity is now world wide.

The symbol of the Order, a white eight-pointed cross on a black background, was worn on the robes of the first Brother Knights in the hospital in Jerusalem. It has remained unchanged over the centuries and is now an international symbol of first aid.  It is the logo of St John Ambulance, emblazoned on the sides of ambulances and on the uniforms of its highly trained volunteers. as an enduring emblem of humanitarian care, and of a charity that dates back almost 1000 years.

The Museum is housed in the original Gate which has undergone heavy restoration. The collection of c.60,000 objects includes paintings, illuminated manuscripts, arms and armour, furniture, ceramics, silverware and textiles. The historic interiors are still used for Order and St John Ambulance events and are open to the public on guided tours. They can be hired for events and weddings.

 If you would like to find out more about The Museum, visit:      https://museumstjohn.org.uk