11th century Jerusalem

Today in Jerusalem the St John Ophthalmic Hospital treats thousands of people every year. The hospital is part of a story which began over 900 years ago in that same city.

Then, growing numbers of Christians were making the long and difficult pilgrimage to the holy city. Many arrived weak and ill, and a hospice was set up close to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to care for them. The hospital was run by monks from the local Benedictine Abbey of St Mary.

Jerusalem is a holy city. It has been fought over many times. In 1099 the armies of the First Crusade captured the city from its Muslim rulers and established a Christian kingdom. This encouraged more pilgrims to make the journey.

As their work became better known, the brothers of the Hospital of St John received gifts of money and land. Increasingly wealthy, and with their special nursing role, the brothers moved away from their Benedictine origins. The Pope confirmed the new Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 1113.

The brothers and sisters of the Order were known as Hospitallers. They took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and also vowed to care for the sick and poor.