7 Shocking Facts About the Knights of St. John You Won’t Learn in School

1. They Started as Nurses, Not Knights!

Before they became brave knights in shining armour, they were originally known as the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. They were founded around the year 1070AD in Jerusalem, helping sick and tired travellers who came to visit the Holy Land.

2. They Fought Pirates at Sea

The Mediterranean Sea was full of pirates who attacked ships and stole cargo. The Knights of St John built powerful ships, trained hard, and patrolled the sea to stop pirate raids.

3. They Lived in a Fortress So Strong, It Scared Invaders Away

When they moved to Malta in 1530, they built massive forts. One of the most famous was Fort St Elmo, standing proudly at the tip of Valletta. In 1565, the mighty Ottoman Empire tried to take Malta in a massive battle called the Great Siege. Even though Fort St Elmo was attacked again and again, it held strong and gave the knights time to fight back and win the battle.

4. They Had Their Own Secret Island

Before moving to Malta, the Knights ruled the island of Rhodes in Greece. It was their home for over 200 years until they lost it to the Ottoman Empire in 1522. Just a few years later, they found a new island to call home: Malta, and their story continued!

5. They Had a Pet Falcon… Sort Of!

When the Knights of St John were given Malta in 1530, they didn’t have to pay money for it. Instead, they gave the King of Spain a live falcon once a year as rent!

6. They Spoke Loads of Languages

The Knights came from all over Europe – France, Italy, Spain, England and more. They grouped into “Langues” which means “languages” and had to work together, even if they couldn’t always understand each other!

7. They Still Exist Today

While they no longer wear armour and carry swords, they still exist today as a charity called the Order of Malta, helping people all over the world with hospitals, food and care.

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