A nation-wide support system for lepers in 14th century France

Abstract

Fear of contagion of leprosy had throughout the centuries led to the forced segregation of infected victims into communities supported by municipal or ecclesiastical authorities. These establishments or Lazar-houses often functioned in isolation of one another managed according to defined regulations based on a monastic life. The Crusader movement of the twelfth century led to the establishment of a widespread organization referred to the fratres Sancti Lazari extra muros Jerusalem leprosis that managed establishments according to a common rule. The expulsion of the Christian forces from the Outremer led to changes in how municipal and ecclesiastical authorities in France looked at the fratres Sancti Lazari, and events during 1320-21 led to an attempt to dismantle the organization in an effort to appropriate the supporting benefices of the establishment.