Medieval Leprosy Hospital Yields New Secrets in Lincoln Excavation

Archaeologists in Lincoln, England, have unearthed new remains at the Hospital of the Holy Innocents, one of the country's oldest and largest medieval leprosy hospitals. The recent excavation, conducted by archaeologists from the television program "Time Team," focused on South Common in Lincoln, a site that dates back to the late 11th or early 12th century.

During a three-day dig, researchers uncovered traces of medieval walls and possible living quarters. These findings build upon previous excavations that revealed walls, building surfaces, and artifacts linked to the former hospital. This latest effort identified small, square structures that may have served as individual living quarters or enclosed yards for patients, features that had not been previously excavated.

The Hospital of the Holy Innocents operated for nearly 500 years and could house up to 20 leprosy patients at a time. Historical documents suggest these patients may have lived in separate structures with small yards. Professor Carenza Lewis of the University of Lincoln noted that access to the hospital likely required financial resources, comparing it to modern private care homes.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the skin, nerves, and eyes. While it can cause severe disfigurement if untreated, it is curable with antibiotics and still exists today.

The excavation is part of a three-year research project led by Anglia Ruskin University, aiming to understand more about the lives of those who lived, worked, and died at the medieval hospital. Tim Taylor, creator of "Time Team," stated that the site holds the potential to reveal significant insights into Lincoln's archaeological history.