Magdalene in Scotland

Was there a convent of nuns devoted to Mary Magdalene in Dundee during the Middle Ages?

Certainly, there was an ancient Magdalen chapel in the area of the city known as Magdalen Green, or Magdalen Yard, at the foot of Step Row. In 1827, the foundations of the ruined chapel were removed. Some accounts state that several sculpted stones were found at the site. What’s more agreed upon is the finding of several altar statues, though what they are is unclear.

The Magdalen chapel grounds included a hospital for Lepers. In my research I have found that many of the Leper hospitals in the UK were part of Magdalene chapels and churches, such as Colchester, Winchester, Cambridge, and London. In Edinburgh the Magdalene church was an alms house for poor men.

The meaning of leprosy in the bible is complex: it is a physical ailment that affects the skin, and it is also a wider symbol of sin, particularly sins of the flesh. There are many references to leprosy in the bible, including this one from Leviticus 13:46 ESV -“He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp”. Leprosy is seen not only as a physical ailment but also mental and spiritual.

Mary Magdalene’s connection with leprosy is complex and may be tied up with the casting of the seven demons from her.

In leprosy there exists the possibility of spiritual redemption and a restoration to god through Jesus whose love for humanity is so great that he is willing to touch and heal even the most wretched.

Poor men, the homeless, the destitute, the sick, the fallen, and the lost, particularly lost women, are all in the domain of the Magdalene, viewed as an outcast and a sinner, herself.

The first Magdalene institution, supposedly a hospital for the “Reception of Penitent Prostitutes”, was founded in late 1758 in Whitechapel. The women who were outcast from their families and communities, sometimes for reasons as minor as flirting with boys, were put to service as unpaid slaves, and were often abused.

In Edinburgh in 1797, a Magdalene Asylum, located near the Canongate was opened. It was known for its association with street prostitutes. The asylum was later relocated to Dalry renamed the Magdalene Institute. It was in operation until 1958.

In Dundee a Magdalene Laundry operated between 1864 and 1984. In Ireland the last Magdalen laundry closed in 1996. The laundries were to guide and correct women “fallen women” deemed in need of moral correction. This correction was often humiliating and abusive.

Though Magdalene’s outcast status has been somewhat reviewed and her reputation restored, the legacy of her rejection and exile runs deep. Pope Francis elevated the memory of Mary Magdalene to the status of Festivity on July 22nd, 2016.

I believe there was a sisterhood of women devoted to Magdalene at the Magdalen Green site in Dundee, and that the chapel was built on an even more ancient site- a priestess site. I believe there are many such sites in Scotland and beyond, but for now I am focusing my attention on Scotland. It’s a wild ride, it’s gaining momentum. There is so much more to uncover.