Ever wonder what secrets lie beneath Lincoln’s soil? This summer, local residents are participating in an extraordinary dig that hopes to uncover the lost history of a medieval leper hospital!
Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories (LLHH) is set to launch an exciting community archaeology project this summer, giving residents and history enthusiasts the opportunity to uncover Lincoln’s rich medieval past.
The Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories project is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and City of Lincoln Council. The project is a place-based heritage project, which works with communities, individuals and organisations across the city.
Taking place over two weekends in July 2025 (11 to 13 July and 18 to 20 July), the project will focus on the historic Malandry Leper Hospital site on South Common, which is thought to have been built around the same time as Lincoln Cathedral.
With the support of professional archaeologists, several 1m x 1m test pits will be excavated to investigate the presence of the hospital’s structures, cemetery, and associated artefacts.
The project called on local volunteers to get involved and participate in hands-on activities such as digging, washing and organising finds to piece together Lincoln’s medieval past.
The project will be conducted under the supervision of experienced archaeologists, ensuring a methodical and professional approach that safeguards the site while providing valuable learning opportunities.
A security presence will also be maintained throughout the digs and overnight between digging sessions to ensure the safety of the area and potential artefacts found.
In addition to professional institutions such as Anglia Ruskin University, University of Lincoln, and Bishop Grosseteste University, the project will also involve community organisations such as Growing Futures Lincoln and Wings to the Past.
Wings to the Past is a collaborative archaeology and heritage project which builds resilience among RAF personnel and their wider dependent family. Archaeology offers a unique opportunity for personnel to spend time together, learn new skills and learn more about the heritage of their area.
The project stems from a talk given at the July 2024 Local History Café by Dr Sam Tipper, Human Bioarchaeologist, titled Leprosy in Lincoln: The Hospital of the Holy Innocents.
Research aims include identifying evidence of the hospital’s buildings, mapping the associated cemetery, and studying burial practices. The findings will contribute to the South Common archive and could lead to innovative digital interpretations to enhance public engagement with the site’s history.
Cllr Bob Bushell at City of Lincoln Council said:
"We are incredibly proud to be supporting this exciting project that gives our residents and communities the unique opportunity to connect directly with Lincoln’s rich history.
“Uncovering the secrets of South Common not only deepens our understanding of the city’s past but also strengthens our sense of place and pride in Lincoln today. I encourage everyone to get involved and help bring this hidden chapter of our story to life."
Dr Sam Tipper Senior Lecturer & Course Director BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“Around the late 11th/early 12th century a leprosarium, the Hospital of the Holy Innocents (also known as the Malandry), was built on South Common, and was in use for about 500 years.
“The history of the people who worked, lived and died at the hospital has mostly been lost, with few realising the importance of the site or the amount of individuals who lived and died there.
“The Malandry project is a community-based archaeological project, using test pits to explore the distribution of archaeological features and artefacts across two areas of South Common.
“We are grateful for everyone from the local community who has signed up to get involved and learn more about their local history. We can now confirm all spaces have been filled!”
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
“It’s fantastic to hear how these upcoming digs will give people the opportunity to get hands on with the hidden history beneath Lincoln’s green spaces. We’re pleased to support the City of Lincoln Council’s project with funding made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”
To keep up to date with the project, follow Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories on Facebook.