A Bioarchaeological Study of Medieval Burials on the Site of St Mary Spital: Excavations at Spitalfields Market, London E1, 1991-2007

The development of the nunnery site is revealed in this study - from evidence for Iron Age occupation, the nunnerys foundation in 1144 and the expansion of the early convent, through to its conversion in the 16th and 17th centuries to a close of large mansions surrounding the parish church. Drawing together the varied evidence, including illustrations made during the demolition of the nunnery church in 17889 and 18th-century surveys, has allowed detailed reconstructions of the church and cloister. Relatively wealthy, located in Londons medieval suburbs and with a dual role as convent and parish church, St Marys story contrasts with that of many other, poorer and more rural, nunneries.