The Leper in England ebook

The Leper in England: With Some Account of English Lazar-Houses is a comprehensive historical study by Robert Charles Hope, first published in 1881. This detailed work explores the history, social context, and treatment of leprosy in England from the early medieval period through the post-medieval era. Drawing on a wide range of historical sources, Hope examines the origins and spread of leprosy, the attitudes of society and the Church towards those afflicted, and the establishment of lazar-houses—specialized hospitals or asylums for lepers—across the country. The book delves into the medical understanding of leprosy in medieval England, discussing how the disease was diagnosed, perceived, and managed. Hope provides vivid descriptions of the daily lives of lepers, the rituals and regulations that governed their existence, and the charitable and religious motivations behind the founding of lazar-houses. He catalogs numerous English lazar-houses, offering detailed accounts of their locations, endowments, and the rules under which they operated. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes, historical records, and references to contemporary literature and legal documents. Hope also explores the decline of leprosy in England, considering the factors that led to the eventual disappearance of the disease and the transformation or dissolution of the lazar-houses. The book is both a medical and social history, shedding light on the intersection of disease, charity, and community in England’s past. It remains a valuable resource for historians, medical scholars, and anyone interested in the history of public health, medieval society, and the treatment of marginalized groups.