The majority of medieval hospitals in South East Scotland have not been excavated. This is partly attributable to the fact that many of these sites were built over and adapted to other purposes at an early date. However, the work at Soutra Aisle demonstrates the significant archaeological potential of hospitals and poorhouses, both for understanding the institutions themselves, and for providing a wider insight into less advantaged communities. Where possible, further investigation at the region’s hospitals and poorhouses should be a priority.
Hospitals and Poorhouses Research Questions
- How large were most hospital sites?
- Did the design of hospitals in South East Scotland alter over the course of the medieval period?
- Are changes in the use of hospitals (for example shifting from the care of lepers to care of the poor) apparent in the archaeological record?
- What can we discover about care for the infirm at hospitals and poorhouses?
- What sorts of activities were taking place at hospitals (for example gardening, food preparation, craft activities)?
- How did hospitals interact with surrounding communities?