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One of Maldon's best kept achaeological secrets is open to the public during Heritage Open Days following a recent survey iof the ruins by researchers from University College London. As part of the project they installed raised beds containing medicinal herbs that would have been used to treat leprosy and other ailments and you can see how these are growing, as well as find out some of the facts that the researchers discovered.

The ruins of St Giles occupy a tranquil spot just off Spital Road, near to the roundabout. The chapel was founded to provide services to people with leprosy and became a general hospital for the poor and infirm. It was connected to Beeleigh Priory and, following the dissolution of the monasteries, served as a farm building for many centuries until work commenced to restore the ruins in the 1920s. The remains of St Giles represent the town's only standing Scheduled Ancient Monument: most of the existing structure dates from the 12th century and contains Roman bricks. 

The ruins are rarely open to the public (although they can be viewed from the road), so this is a rare opportunity to visit. No booking is required, dogs are welcome.