Ep 13. The Leper Hospital, Winchester

In Time Team season 8 episode 13, titled "The Leper Hospital, Winchester," the team investigates the history and archaeological remains of St Mary Magdalen leper hospital in Winchester, England. The hospital was established in the mid-12th century to care for those afflicted with leprosy, a disease that was greatly feared and misunderstood at the time. The hospital remained in operation until the 16th century when it was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII.

The team is joined by experts in leprosy, medieval medicine, and medieval architecture to shed light on the lives of the patients, staff, and visitors of the hospital. The team sets out to discover the layout of the hospital, its buildings, and the lives of those who lived within its walls.

The investigation begins with a geophysical survey of the site, which reveals the location of the hospital's chapel and graveyard. The team then excavates the site to determine the extent of the hospital's buildings. They discover the remains of a latrine block, a building believed to be the hospital's hall, and a possible kitchen area. The team also uncovers the foundations of the chapel and several graves within the cemetery.

During their investigation, the team discovers evidence of the treatment and care of patients at the hospital. They find a collection of objects that suggest the lepers received a high level of care, including fine pottery, glass vessels, and other luxury items. The team also finds evidence of the dietary requirements of the patients, which included a healthy diet of fish, vegetables, and fruit.

As the investigation progresses, the team uncovers the story of one of the hospital's most famous patients, Alice, who was admitted to the hospital in the mid-13th century. Alice was a wealthy woman who, after being diagnosed with leprosy, gave her fortune to the hospital and became a patient. The team investigates Alice's grave and discovers that she was treated with great care and buried with respect, surrounded by luxury items and laid to rest in a specially constructed grave.

The team also explores the architecture of the hospital and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. They discover that the original hospital was built on a site that had previously been occupied by a Saxon settlement, which suggests that the hospital may have been deliberately located near the water source to avoid the stigma of leprosy spreading to the city.

As the investigation draws to a close, the team reflects on the impact of the hospital and the lives of the patients who lived there. They conclude that the hospital provided a high level of care and was an important part of the community, both socially and medically.

Overall, Time Team season 8 episode 13, "The Leper Hospital, Winchester," is a fascinating look into the history and archaeology of one of England's most important medieval hospitals. The show sheds light on the lives of those who lived and worked within its walls and provides insight into the medical practices of the time.