The Museum of the Order of St John isn’t really hidden along Clerkenwell Road but it’s easy enough to walk past, especially if you’re a Londoner immune to passing by beautiful historic buildings on a daily basis. But here I urge you to stop and notice the beautifully lettered sign and step inside for a truly fascinating history lesson.

The building is home to the English branch of the hospitaller knights, an order which has cared for the sick since the twelfth century. In the time between then and now, the English branch was dissolved by Henry VIII and the buildings used as the offices of the Masters of the Revels (the censors at the time of Shakespeare), a coffee house run by the father of the artist William Hogarth and a pub, before being restored to the museum we see today.

My favourite part was the twelfth century crypt with its vaulted ceilings and tomb effigy. You really feel like you’re getting a secret peek at one of London’s hidden treasures. Entry is free but I would definitely recommend a tour (just a £5 donation) to get the most out of a visit. And after you’ve taken it all in, rest your feet awhile in the small and peaceful garden and marvel at the amazing things that lie hidden in this wonderful city.

Image courtesy of Michelle Young