Geology Site Account

Site name: St. Giles Leper Hospital (remains of)

Grid reference: TL 8433 0648

Brief description of site:

Ruins of 12th century leper hospital with a great variety of rock types in the walls, many of them erratics gathered locally. A Grade 1 listed building and scheduled ancient monument.

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Summary of geological interest

In Spital Road, not far from Maldon Town Centre, is the remains of St Giles' Hospital, said to have been given by Henry II in the 12th century to the people of Maldon for the relief of those suffering from leprosy. It has an interesting patchwork of rock-types and is therefore of geological interest.

Many of the stones are assumed to have been gathered locally. A brief description of the stones in the building is contained in the Essex Naturalist (Vol. 29 (1952-56) Page 123) following a field visit to Maldon in 1952. A comprehensive survey of the geology of the building is needed.

The grounds of the building are normally locked but permission for access can be obtained from Maldon Town Council.

St. Giles Leper Hospital (remains of). Photo: G.Lucy