Chivalry The Order of St John is an Order of Chivalry that has roots in the first of a number of religious military orders established in the Middle Ages at a time when various Royal Orders of Chivalry were being established. Read more about our exiting history Today St John is modern Charity, delivering health services in more than 35 countries, but we are also a Royal Order of Chivalry of the British Crown. This means that the Order can award honours to people, recognising their service to the Order. Those honoured become Members of the Order of St John. Learn more about membership of the Order The Order also awards a range of awards to our volunteers, and to people or organisations who made a selfless contribution to humanity. It awards the Service Medal of St John to volunteers and other eligible persons after ten years of eligible service to St John. Find out more about our Honours and Awards