Inside One of London’s Oldest Medieval Crypts

If you imagine a Catholic military order from the Middle Ages, it’s likely to be the Knights Templar - popularised by Dan Brown’s fictional thriller, The Da Vinci Code But in Medieval Europe, there was another, equally powerful religious society, which also had its English headquarters here in London. It was the Order of St John of Jerusalem. Better known, as the Knights Hospitaller. In this episode of Hidden London, London tour guide Katie Wignall explores the history of the Order of St John, visiting their base of operations here in Clerkenwell, London. The priory is one of the city’s hidden gems, with surprises around every corner. Formed in Jerusalem in the 11th century to care for pilgrims, the order went on to become an ambitious military organisation, owning lands and wielding influence across Europe. Join Katie as she uncovers the story of the Hospitallers’ rise to power, dramatic fall, and rebirth in the modern era… Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free ex