Leprosy and medieval leper colonies in Northern England

Leprosy (now known as Hansen's disease), is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis which can lead to damage of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. The nerve damage can result in a lack of ability to feel pain, potentially leading to the loss of parts of a person's extremities from repeated injuries or infection. The disease is pread by contact and is associated with povery. Effective treatments and control have seen the number of cases significantly reduced. In 2018, there were 209,000 leprosy cases world-wide, down from 5.2 million in the 1980s. Most new cases occur in 14 countries.[1]

Leprosy in Medieval England

There was a rise in leprosy in Europe during the Middle Ages, it had entered England by the 4th century and was a regular feature of life by the 11th century. At that time the social perception of leprosy often one of fear, and people infected with the disease were thought to be 'unclean' or morally corrupt. However, beliefs about the disease were complicated. Some believed leprosy was a punishment for sin, but others saw the suffering of lepers as similar to the suffering of Christ, bringing them closer to God than other people. Care in religious leper hospitals focussed as much on spiritual needs as on the physical symtoms of the disease.[2]

Leper colonies segregated sufferes from mainstream society and people with leprosy were often required to wear clothing that identified them as lepers, or carry a bell to warn of their presence. Many leper or 'lazar' houses were established in England between the 11th and 14th centuries. Thes were often located on the edge of towns or near crossroads or major travel routes (lepers would beg alms, trade, and pray for the souls of benefactors). Leper hospitals were established by religius orders.

Some medieval churches had a leper's squint (aka 'leper windows' or lychnoscopes), a small window or opening, through which lepers could view the service from a distance.