Did Lepers Wear Bells?

For example, in Europe during the Middle Ages, leprosy sufferers had to wear special clothing, ring bells to warn others that they were close, and even walk on a particular side of the road, depending on the direction of the wind.

Why did lepers carry bells?

During the Middle Ages, lepers carried bells or clappers – a practical device often used as a signal to make people aware of their presence (most could not speak because the disease damaged their larynxes).

What did lepers wear?

Lepers would wear bandages to cover their sores and carried a bell to warn people that they were coming. They weren't even allowed inside churches, which is why many medieval churches had built-in 'leper squints' – holes through which 'unclean' people could watch the services.