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Medieval leprosy hospital uncovered in Lincoln by Time Team archaeologists
Overview
Time Team archaeologists and volunteers have uncovered the remains of what is believed to be one of medieval England's earliest and largest leprosy hospitals in Lincoln. The three-day dig on the South Common explored the site of the Hospital of the Holy Innocents, which dates back to the late 11th or early 12th century and housed up to 20 people. The findings include boundary walls and traces of small square features that may have been separate individual dwellings or yards.
Key points
- Time Team archaeologists uncovered the walls of the medieval Hospital of the Holy Innocents on the South Common in Lincoln.
- The hospital, dating from the late 11th to early 12th centuries, is thought to be one of medieval England's earliest and largest leprosy hospitals.
- The excavation is part of a three-year project called Hidden Histories Unearthed, backed by a £248,139 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Anglia Ruskin University.
- Archaeologists found traces of square features measuring about 5m across along a wall, believed to be the remains of small individual buildings or yard areas for the residents.
- Historical documents indicate the hospital housed up to 20 people and remained in use for approximately five centuries.