We are pleased to share that Matthew Glozier an Australian-based historian and history teacher, has written another incredible book titled “Symbols of Hope“.
The new book follows on from the successful “A Beacon of Hope”. A Beacon of Hope charted the fascinating history of the St John Eye Hospital Group meanwhile “Symbols of Hope” delves into the heraldry, from the Order of the St John to the Order of Malta.
“Symbols of Hope” was launched by Matthew Glozier and Jamie Ingham Clark during this year’s Grand Council, on Wednesday 10th July.
At the launch, Matthew Glozier shared:
“This book – Symbols of Hope – is very much a “sister” volume to the official history of the Eye Hospital published two years ago, A Beacon of Hope. Both of the books are works of reference which present a record of activity, but they also tell an animated story containing harrowing accounts of survival in the face of adversity. Importantly, each book highlights the remarkable achievements of our magnificent Eye Hospital and its surprising longevity; surviving and operating at peak capacity for over 140 years now.
So why do we have TWO books? Well, in part because the Eye Hospital was one of the least documented works of the Order and, ironically, in redressing that wrong, it is now one of the best documented humanitarian endeavours of our Order. Despite the size of A Beacon of Hope there was still more to say about the significance of the Eye Hospital. That became apparent early on in my research. And so this book, Symbols of Hope, quickly took shape and grew in size.
Over the course of 140 years our Eye Hospital has occupied five different buildings and from early times encompassed external clinics and satellite facilities. This history has generated a remarkable legacy in stone and Symbols of Hope examines the meaning and the stories around, for example, the many heraldic devices and ceremonial elements associated with the Eye Hospital in its Jerusalem home. Through colourful and detailed illustrations, I tell the story of those individuals who have endowed the Hospital over a century-and-a-half, and the enduring story of the Hospital told in stone, and flags, and ceremonial robes, among other aspects of its rich and ongoing corporate life.
I know Jamie wants to acknowledge several people, but I’d just like to take this opportunity to recognize the enthusiastic support I’ve received from Andrew as Chair, David as Hospitaller, and Jamie himself who has worked so hard to bring this book into being. I am deeply grateful for your trust and encouragement, and I hope this book will do some good for the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group. Thank you all for your time and attention. “
Jamie Ingham Clark, KStJ FCA, who chaired the working party behind this project thanked Sir Andrew Cash (SJEHG Chairman) and the Board of Trustees at SJEHG for their support. He also thanked the wider working party: John Petrie, Windsor Herald at the College of Arms (who is also the DC for the Priory of Wales), fellow trustee Tim Jones, John Tunesi who is Secretary to the Heraldry Society, Jim Terzian from the USA and Richard Scott who leads the Durham Masonic Knights Templar (who sponsored the printing of this volume).
Of Matthew, Jamie said:
“This book arose out of the Beacon of Hope volume which is very much a history of the hospital. The focus here is more on the culture as a hospital and as part of an Order of Chivalry of the British Crown. Matthew’s dedication has been par excellence and I have been delighted with what he has produced. The fact that he wrote this whilst holding down a full time role as a history teacher at Sydney Grammar School only adds to my respect for what he has achieved.”
Jamie also thanked fellow contributors: Symbols of Hope contains a forward from our Grand Prior, from the SJEHG Chairman, and from the Order Hospitaller, and an epilogue from our Lord Prior.
“I recall speaking to our Grand Prior about this project last year here in Llandaff, and he mentioned he had read A Beacon of Hope and how it seemed to go from one disaster to another. That in a way is the nature of history books. His is not a history book in that sense. There are no disasters and I recommend it to your perusal.”
The book is available to purchase from the St John Eye hospital website or it can be ordered by email at info@stjohneyehospital.org
