St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JJ
St John Priory Church
Church
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid for guided tours
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2The church is part of the former English headquarters of the Order of St John. A guided tour connects its history with the order’s origins in Jerusalem and takes visitors into a remarkable twelfth-century crypt.
A distinctive medieval London site with a story that is still encountered in place: the church and crypt are accessible through guided tours, rather than as an open walk-in church. Its strongest draw is the chance to explore the lost priory’s history beneath the modern city.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapSt John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JJ
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The experience
Visit by pre-booking a guided tour: the church and crypt are not open for general access. The museum also describes free gallery visits and a Cloister Garden, each with separate opening arrangements.
Things to do
Explore the Priory Church and crypt on a guided tour
The Lost Priory tour visits the church and the remarkable twelfth-century crypt, interpreting the former English headquarters of the Order of St John.
45 minutes
Visit the museum galleries at St John’s Gate
The museum galleries and shop are on the ground floor of St John’s Gate. The visitor page lists them as free to visit, with donations welcomed; check current opening days and hours.
Pause in the Cloister Garden
The museum describes the garden as a place to meet, eat lunch or enjoy a quiet time. Access can be affected by private events and activities, so check ahead.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 45 minutes
Quick Escape: the Lost Priory tour
- 01
Pre-book the Lost Priory of the Medieval Order of St John tour.
- 02
Visit the Priory Church and descend into the twelfth-century crypt with the guide.
- 03
Follow the story of the Order from its origins in Jerusalem to its dissolution under Henry VIII.
Half day · Allow half a day; timings depend on tour availability and garden access.
Make a half day of it: tour, galleries and garden
- 01
Book a guided tour that includes the Priory Church and crypt.
- 02
Visit the museum galleries and shop at St John’s Gate, checking their current opening days and hours.
- 03
If open, spend a quieter pause in the Cloister Garden; check for closures or private events before visiting.
Verified history
The Museum of the Order of St John describes the priory as a vast and prosperous estate just beyond the walls of the ancient City of London, and the English headquarters of the religious military order known as the Knights Hospitaller. Its Lost Priory tour follows the Order’s history from its origins in Jerusalem to its dissolution under Henry VIII, and includes the Priory Church and a remarkable twelfth-century crypt. The museum also offers a separate tour about St John’s Gate, whose buildings have served varied uses over roughly 900 years.
Hidden details
The twelfth-century crypt — The crypt is not part of general walk-in access: the museum says it can be visited on a guided tour. The Lost Priory tour specifically includes this underground space.
The priory’s connection to the Knights Hospitaller — The museum identifies the priory as the English headquarters of the Order of St John, a religious military order. The guided tour traces its history from Jerusalem to its dissolution under Henry VIII.
When to go
· Choose a tour time that suits your itinerary; confirm current availability and garden access with the museum.
The supplied official visitor information gives scheduled opening and tour arrangements rather than seasonal highlights. Check current schedules before visiting.
Check before visiting.
What to look for
On a guided visit, look for the contrast between the church above ground and the remarkable twelfth-century crypt below. The official tour also connects the site with the Order of St John’s history from Jerusalem to its dissolution under Henry VIII.
The story
The Order of St John; the medieval priory; the Knights Hospitaller; the church and twelfth-century crypt; the site’s later uses.
Best time to go
Year-round; tours and garden access are subject to schedules and availability.
Plan around a pre-booked tour. The museum galleries are listed as open Wednesday–Saturday, while the Cloister Garden has separate Monday–Saturday hours and occasional closures; check the official visitor information before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Architecture lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The church and crypt are visited on pre-booked guided tours; check the museum’s tour listings for availability and current prices before travelling.
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Parking
Pay-and-display spaces are available in St John’s Square, with restrictions and charges. Check current conditions before visiting.
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Toilets
The source listing reports a toilet amenity; confirm availability with the museum before visiting.
Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Check the museum’s access information for details about the church, crypt and tour route.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid for guided tours; museum galleries and Cloister Garden are listed as free, with donations welcomed.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St John Priory Church
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
