Dunwich leper hospital is the remains of a 13th century building that cared for people affected by leprosy. It was founded well outside town ditch (Pales dyke) by Richard 1st in 1206, maintained by rent from Walter de Riboff. Most likely the hospital was originally a chapel, you can see this from the design. Its Caen limestone has been beautifully carved in Norman fashion. The last leper was buried in 1536 but the building became a more general hospital until abandonment in 1685. It is now in the churchyard of St James which was built in 1830.