Skeletons of medieval pilgrims found in Lichfield

Fifty well-preserved skeletons of travellers hoping for miracle cures discovered on former hospital site during work to build flats

The skeletons of scores of medieval pilgrims who came to the shrine of St Chad in Lichfield but died without receiving the miracle healing they hoped for are being excavated on the site of an ancient hospital that provided accommodation for travellers.

At least 50 startlingly well preserved and neatly buried skeletons were uncovered during development work to build apartments on the site of the 12th-century St John's hospital, which still provides sheltered accommodation for elderly people.