'Ancient Lights'

It is always important to look up, as well as down, when walking along London's streets, in case you miss something. This is how I discovered these signs, beneath various windows across older parts of the city.

Because I had never seen them before I now keep a look out for them, and other old signs.

But what does the term 'Ancient Lights' mean?

To discover the answer we must travel back to the 12th century, and the beginnings of English Common Law.

Museum of the Order of St John

St John's Gate.

Friday June 29, 2018.

It was another warm day that I had spent wandering the streets of the Unfinished City, following the old Roman Walls, when, after stopping for some refreshment, I found what looked like a castle gate. Intrigued, I decided to pop in to see what it was about.

The Most Venerable Order of St John.

It turns out that this is the home of the Museum of the Order of St John. The museum charts the origins of this religious military order, from 11th century Jerusalem, through to its modern role as the international first aid charity, the St John Ambulance.

Trinkets.

So, in I went.

Some of the areas, like the Priory church and its crypt, plus the rooms upstairs could only be accessed on a guided tour. Unfortunately, I did not have the time for a guided tour, so I just enjoyed the museum galleries, on the ground floor, plus the garden beside the Priory church. 

A Templar chair.

The galleries contain a wealth of historic information, artefacts and models and the garden is a quiet oasis in the heart of a bustling area, where small tables and chairs are available to soak up the peace and serenity of the space.

The Cloister.

I will be visiting again, hopefully soon, to take in the whole of this building.

"I'll take the Priory!"

To see more photographs from my trip, click the link below.

Gallery

For anyone interested in the history of this charity, St John's Gate is well worth the visit.

Museum of the Order of St John