A museum and library housed in Norman and Tudor buildings in the heart of London's business district tells the story of Crusaders whose modern-day heirs are still helping the sick. The Hospital of St. John was founded in Jerusalem around 1099 as a Benedictine hospice to care for sick or exhausted pilgrims. In 1113 the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem became a separate body, nursing the sick and poor. In modern times, as St. John Ambulance, they developed the modern ambulance service and provide first aid at public events. They have welcomed visitors to their London headquarters for over 800 years.
Norman Crypt, Tudor Gatehouse
The Order became wealthy and powerful, and owned a great Priory covering ten acres in mediaeval Clerkenwell, London. The Priory church and its Norman crypt survive, along with the 16th century gatehouse, which holds many of the Museum's treasures. Open to visitors since 1504, it is currently being restored and redeveloped to display the treasures more effectively. It's set in a quiet business district of London, off the beaten track for most visitors, and gives a fascinating insight into the development of healthcare and the changes in English society over nine centuries.
The Norman Crypt is the oldest surviving building, a treasure to compare with London's other great Norman survivor, St. Bartholomew's. A round church once stood above it, consecrated in 1185 by the Patriarch of Jerusalem in the reign of Henry II, whose son Richard the Lionheart would become a renowned Crusader. Rebuilt in the 16th century, the Church was used as a chapel by Henry VIII. The Gate House is known to have been visited by Shakespeare, diarist Dr. Johnson, the painter and engraver William Hogarth, and the novelist Charles Dickens.
Treasures of the Knights
The galleries display treasures such as a Henry VIII bronze cannon, an illuminated charter of Queen Mary I and King Philip, a 15th century Flemish altarpiece from the Priory Church, stained glass and carving. The history of the Priory and the surviving buildings is explained in detail. A dedicated gallery shows the development of the modern St. John Ambulance over two centuries.
Visiting the Museum
The Museum is open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free but donations are gratefully received. Tours of the Gate and Church are offered on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
There are talks and activities for schools and other visitors, with more information available on the website or by telephone, +44 (0) 20 7324 4005. Wheelchair access is limited to the ground floor museum area. Large groups are asked to book ahead.
Travelling to the Museum
The Museum is at St. John's Gate, St. John's Lane, London EC1M 4DA. about five minutes from Farringdon Underground and overground station. Buses 55, 63, 153, 243 and 505 stop nearby.
The Garden is part of London's Museums of Health and Medicine, a group of 22 museums formed in 1991 to place the history and development of medicine and healthcare in its widest context.
Helen McCarthy - Helen is a writer, editor, speaker, designer and trainer. She's best known for her ground-breaking research and writing on Japanese ...
