Known by locals as Hospital Field, St Mary Magdalen Hospital is situated about a mile outside the city's boundaries on the Alresford Road, on the east side of Winchester. The Open Day will give visitors a chance to see current excavation work and view the remains, as well as some of the artefacts unearthed from the last 900 years.
Every year the University runs a major research and training excavation as part of its ongoing programme of research and practical training, explained Project Director, Dr Simon Roffey from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Winchester. In the past, excavations of this twelfth century site have identified the existence of several features including a chapel, infirmary and cemeteries. Aspects from the post-medieval period have also been identified, including the remains of late Tudor almshouses and a First World War base.
Excavations this year focus on the area of the medieval infirmary, chapel, and associated buildings as well as a First World War theatre and cinema. The cinema provided a source of entertainment for British troops as well as other nations including America, India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand before they left for the battlefields of France and Belgium.
The Open Day runs on 11 September from 10am until 4pm. Regular transport runs to and from the site and the University of Winchester, leaving on the hour from the University Main Reception at the King Alfred Campus on Sparkford Road, with the last bus at 3pm. Parking is a problem at the site so visitors are recommended to take advantage of the pre-arranged transport.
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