Museum and Library of The Order of St. John

Take a tour around the ancient Priory of the Knights Hospitallers with its Tudor Gate House, 16th century Church and 12th century Crypt.

In the Middle Ages warrior monks set out from here to fight for the faith and tend the sick in their hospital in Jerusalem.

Inside the Gate, visitors can see fine collections of silver, furniture and paintings from the Knight's time in Malta during the 16th to 18th centuries. Treasures in the museum include illuminated manuscripts, armour from Rhodes and a canon given by Henry VII.

Shakespeare's and Dr Johnson's workplace, Hogarth's childhood home, and Dicken's Club, St John's Gate also has many literary and artistic associations to explore.

In more recent times, St. John Ambulance was founded here and a new interactive exhibition tells its story. Discover a fascinating history, from the early days of the industrial revolution to the vital role St. John continues to play within health care today. Enjoy touchscreen multimedia exhibits, see early film footage and listen to the stories of ordinary members and their extraordinary experiences.

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