Archaeologists are set to unearth medieval medicine and human bones during a summer excavation of an 11th-century hospital in Lincoln.
The dig at South Common will take place in July, potentially revealing religious implements and building materials such as tiles.
Dr Samantha Tipper from Anglia Ruskin University, who is leading the excavation, described the project as "a huge part of Lincolnshire's history" that most people are unaware of.
The site was originally a leprosarium where people with leprosy could seek treatment.
Archaeologists are set to unearth medieval medicine and human bones during a summer excavation of an 11th-century hospital in Lincoln
Getty
Dr Tipper believes the hospital was built around 1089 and likely remained in use for approximately 500 years.
This would make it one of the earliest leprosariums in the country.
Dr Tipper: "This is a huge part of Lincolnshire's history that I think most people don't know anything about and have no idea that there was a hospital here at the common."
She added: "It's all just a lot of fun and very exciting."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Georgian architecture of houses in Minster Yard of Lincoln cathedral
Getty
The dig is part of the Local Landscape and Hidden History project run by the City of Lincoln Council, alongside academics and experts from the University of Lincoln, Bishop Grosseteste University and Anglia Ruskin University.
Excavations will occur over two weekends in July: 11-13 and 18-20.
Experts hope to find artefacts from the hospital, the adjacent chapel and the cemetery.
Dr Tipper is encouraging local residents to participate in the community-based dig.
The dig at South Common will take place in July
She said: "I just want local people to get involved because if they get involved and are excited about it, then they will learn more about Lincolnshire's history."
Dr Martin Huggon from Bishop Grosseteste University specialises in medieval hospital archaeology and challenges common misconceptions about these institutions.
He explained: "Sometimes people think medieval hospitals are bad or what they did was bad, but in reality what they were trying to do is very similar to modern discussions about social care.
"When the hospital was started, it was started in goodness. The idea was to help these people."
