About
St John's Commandery at Swingfield preserves the chapel of an estate belonging to the Knights Hospitaller, the religious order that combined care for pilgrims with military service. Its flint walls date from the thirteenth century, while later domestic alterations show how the building became part of a farmhouse after the Dissolution. Inside are a medieval crown-post roof and sixteenth-century ceilings with moulded beams, but those features can only be seen when the interior opens. Reviewers repeatedly mention arriving to find the building shut, so distinguish an exterior visit from an advertised Heritage Open Day. The chapel can normally be viewed from outside during daylight, with a small car park on site. Gravel, grass and steps make the approach uneven, and the upper floor has steep stairs. Only assistance dogs are admitted.
Check today’s timesFrom English Heritage's calendar
- See notice
St John's Commandery is open to the public on Heritage Open days only. The exact dates for this will be updated nearer the time.
From English Heritage's published calendar, updated 1 October 2026, with dates up to 16 March 2027.
Opening times may change at short notice.
Gravel parking and grass precede two or three entrance steps; steep stairs lead upstairs. The exterior can be viewed in reasonable daylight; interior access is only on advertised Heritage Open Days.
Gravel parking and grass precede two or three entrance steps; steep stairs lead upstairs. The exterior can be viewed in reasonable daylight; interior access is only on advertised Heritage Open Days.
Photo: St John's Commandery Swingfield Street. Chris Gunns, CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_John%27s_Commandery_Swingfield_Street_-_geograph.org.uk_-_5883478.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized and cropped for display; derivatives retain the source licence.
Dogs at the location: Not allowed. Assistance dogs only.
Dog walks in the grounds: Not allowed. Assistance dogs only. Normal admission or the advertised opening arrangements apply.
Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs only are welcome.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Free for everyone, independently of membership. Any opening restrictions, parking or transport charges apply separately.
ParkingFree parkingFree for all visitors
No charge for anyone.
Parking details
Free on-site car parking, as confirmed by the official directions page. Use the visitor parking beside the chapel.
Parking courtyard beside the chapel checked against official parking directions, the attraction listing and aerial imagery.
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