St James Palace

1087, St James' Palace became the capital's first leper hospital

Location: St James Palace, SW1A 1DH

Description: St. James's Palace is the senior Palace of the Sovereign, with a long history as a Royal residence. As the home of several members of the Royal Family and their household offices, it is often in use for official functions and is not open to the public.

But some time ago in 1087, the palace took on a very different disguise - it was at this time that the Bishop of London became the first recorded case of Leprosy in Britain.

'Lepers' as they became known were banned from the city and St James' Palace became the capital's first leper hospital.

Tours: Queen Elizabeth II Tour of London

Themes: Medical Medical Theme