Two years spent in the shadow of a pandemic may seem like a long time but, for those living in medieval Maldon, disease and death was a constant fear.

Just a short walk along Spital Road, minutes from Maldon High Street, you will find the remains of St Giles Leper Hospital.

Founded in 1164 by the local lord during the reign of Henry II, this is the last of ten medieval hospitals known to have existed in Essex. Leper hospitals in particular are even rarer.

The chapel is what largely remains of St Giles, but the foundations of the other buildings still lie underground in the surrounding area. (Photo: Karen Hughes)

Leprosy (also known as Hansen's Disease) is a bacterial infection which can damage the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It is entirely treatable nowadays but was dreaded because of the skin disease and other disfigurements caused by loss of sensation and damage to the extremities.

Lepers are referred to extensively in the Bible, however the term likely covers several skin diseases. The Old Testament emphasised the casting out of lepers as 'unclean', but in the Gospels they were especially favoured with compassion.

In medieval times they were physically separated from the rest of the population, but were also well cared for. Their suffering was seen in some ways as holy: suffering not only for their own sins but also for others.

Visitors learning about the work of archaeologists on the site. (Photo: Karen Hughes)

A chapel was always at the heart of a leper hospital, and the prayers of the lepers for their benefactors were greatly valued. Lepers grew their own food, traded small items, and had some contact with their families.

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The name 'Spital Road' is derived from the leper hospital itself. 'Hospital' comes from the word 'hospitality' which, in ancient cultures, meant welcoming strangers and offering them food, shelter, and safety.

St Giles is believed to have been built on the site of a former Roman villa, with far reaching views down the Blackwater Estuary. High above the floodplain, the hospital was close to several spring-fed ponds, which would have served the needs of its patients along with passing travellers.