SA15 from Medieval St Leonard’s (Visible Disabilities in Premodern Europe)

As part of the Visible Disabilities in Premodern Europe project, led by Professor Alison Beach at the University of St Andrews, SA15 was a mature male buried at St Leonard’s Hospital, North Shields. Excavated between 2011 and 2014 by The Archaeological Practice under Richard Carlton, his grave lay in front of the chancel — an area typically reserved for respected members of the community. His skeleton shows evidence of severe mobility impairment and complete tooth loss, both experienced years before his death.

Healed fractures with pronounced deformities in his right leg indicate a high-impact injury earlier in life, leaving the limb shortened and weakened and altering his gait, posture, and spine. Despite these challenges, SA15 lived to an advanced age and was afforded an honoured burial. His story, featured in the travelling exhibition History in Our Bones, offers a powerful insight into resilience, care, and social status in a medieval community.