Museum of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance

The Museum of the Order of St John is the heritage department of St John Ambulance, preserving and sharing the history of the organisation and the wider Order of St John.

Step inside the historic rooms of St John’s Gate, once home to St John Ambulance’s Number One Division and discover the vital role its volunteers played during the Second World War.Through role play, costume and object handling, pupils will step into the shoes of St John Ambulance volunteers during the Blitz and explore how ordinary people responded to extraordinary circumstances.Using the historic setting and objects from the Museum’s collection, pupils will investigate the challenges faced on the Home Front, the kinds of injuries and emergencies volunteers encountered, and the courage, teamwork and practical skills needed to help othersThis hands-on workshop brings wartime history to life while encouraging pupils to think about service, resilience, citizenship and helping people in times of crisis.Workshops last two hours and can be scheduled between 10am and 3pm. Dates shown are indicative and subject to availability.If your group requires a space to eat lunch, please let us know when booking.

St John Ambulance: Saving Lives on the Home Front (KS2) 

Step into nearly 1,000 years of history at the Museum of the Order of St John, set on the site of a medieval priory in the heart of Clerkenwell. From an atmospheric Norman crypt to the striking Tudor Gatehouse, the Museum brings the past to life through remarkable historic spaces, objects and stories.Pupils can discover the extraordinary story of the Order of St John, from caring for sick pilgrims in eleventh-century Jerusalem to the work of St John Ambulance today. A visit offers opportunities to explore themes of medicine, care, community, faith and conflict, while experiencing a unique historic site on Islington’s doorstep.The Museum’s main galleries are located on the ground floor, with step-free access throughout. Please note that the historic rooms on the upper floors are only accessible via stairs. If you have any accessibility requirements or would like more information before your visit, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Museum of the Order of St John

Investigate the history of the Crusades and the role of the Knights Hospitaller in Jerusalem and the eastern Mediterranean.Pupils will visit the Museum’s atmospheric Norman crypt, where Henry II met with the Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1185 to discuss the future of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Using this historic setting as a starting point, they will investigate the significance of key events and consider the people, motivations and consequences behind the Crusades.The session includes close-up, hands-on exploration of medieval and crusader artefacts from the Museum’s collection, giving pupils the opportunity to use objects as historical evidence and deepen their understanding of the period.Workshops take place onsite and combine a guided tour with object handling. One class can be accommodated per session. Workshops last two hours and can be scheduled between 10am and 3.30pm. Dates shown are indicative and subject to availability.

Crusades and the Knights Hospitaller (KS3)

Learn practical first aid skills and discover the story of St John Ambulance, from its beginnings in Victorian Britain to its work today.At the Museum of the Order of St John, pupils will take part in a Bronze first aid session delivered by the St John Ambulance Community Engagement Team, building practical life-saving skills and confidence in responding to emergencies. Through role play, costume and object handling, they will also explore the history of St John Ambulance, from its Victorian beginnings to its work today.To explore the link between first aid and being a good citizen, pupils will visit Barts North Wing and take part in a slow-looking activity focused on William Hogarth’s Good Samaritan mural. Using the painting as a starting point, they will consider what it means to help someone in need and how first aid can give us the skills and confidence to step in and take action.The programme also includes a follow-up Silver first aid session delivered by the St John Ambulance Community Engagement Team back at school.Developed for Key Stage 2, the programme supports learning across history, PSHE, citizenship, art and personal development. The full-day visit runs from 10am–2pm and can be adapted to a half-day if needed.Please contact us to discuss the best format for your group. Dates shown are indicative and subject to availability.

Caring Through the Ages: St John Ambulance from Victorian Britain to Today (KS2)