A contextual study of the medieval hospital and cemetery of St Mary Magdalen, Winchester, England

This paper examines the osteoarchaeological evidence for leprosy in 38 skeletons excavated from the north cemetery of the hospital of St Mary Magdalen, Winchester (founded by the late 11th century) between 2009 and 2011. This cemetery, to the north of the medieval chapel, represents a discrete burial area, separate from the main, more recent cemetery to the south. The analysis indicates skeletal evidence for leprosy in over 85% (33) of the burials. This is therefore a much larger percentage than has previously been recorded for British material. The skeletal remains also provide evidence for amputation, possible palliative care as well as a pilgrim burial. Overall work at Winchester represents the most extensive excavation of an early leper hospital with accompanying cemetery to date, providing a unique opportunity for the cross-examination of skeletal and contextual data. Therefore the St Mary Magdalen cemetery is discussed in reference to such issues as the status of leper hospitals and social perceptions of hospital inmates in the medieval period.

► Analysis of 38 burials with evidence for leprosy and leprogenic odontodysplasia from the medieval leper hospital of St Mary Magdalen Winchester.
► Discusses evidence for an amputated individual and pilgrim burial.
► A cross comparison between cemetery data and structural evidence.
► Considers the role, function and definition of leper hospitals in the medieval period.
► Sheds light on the wider social implications of leper hospitals.