Inside London 2: St John's Gate

St John's Gate, along with the Norman crypt is the last remaining section of the medieval home of the the knights of St John of Jerusalem. The tour tells the story of the knights, their dual purposes as fighters and hospitaliers and their role in domestic politics. Fabulously wealthy by the time of the Reformation, they attracted the unwanted attention of the king leading to their dissolution. The order was reborn centuries later and ultimately led to the formation of the St John Ambulance Brigade.

The story is told through works of art, including one said to be by Caravaggio and historic artefacts. The building is one of London's hidden gems. A short tour of the area will follow to put the priory in context and lunch will follow at 1.30.

We meet downstairs at 10.45 in Starbuck's in Zinc House Cowcross Street, very close to Farringdon station and the tour starts at 11.15.

My number is 07815009191.