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Dr Peter Chamberlen

The invention of obstetrics forceps in the 17th century made childbirth safer for generations of women and babies

Tens of thousands of mothers and babies have been saved from certain death thanks to the invention by a doctor whose family lived in Woodham Mortimer.

Peter Chamberlen the Elder is believed to have invented the obstetric forceps, which enabled doctors and midwives to assist with the delivery of babies in cases of obstructed labour. In the 17^th century, when many women had deformed pelvises after childhood rickets, it was relatively commonplace for childbirth disasters to occur, and the only recourse to saving the mother’s life usually ended the child’s life.

The invention of the forceps was initially kept as a trade secret by Peter the Elder, who attended Queen Anne, wife of James I in childbirth, shared only with his brother Peter the Younger, and Peter the Younger’s son Peter the Third, known as Dr Peter Chamberlen (pictured above). In fact, it is said that the small hand tools were carried into homes in an enormous box, and labouring women blindfolded so as not to find out the secret! The device eventually became public knowledge when Dr Peter Chamberlen’s son Hugh shared it with his medical colleagues towards the end of his life,

In 1815, five sets of forceps were discovered under the floorboards at Woodham Mortimer Hall, where they are believed to have been hidden by Dr Peter Chamberlen’s second wife Ann after his death. Dr Peter Chamberlen died in 1683 at the great age of 82 and is buried in an ornate raised tomb in the churchyard of St Margaret’s, next door to Woodham Mortimer Hall. While the Hall is not open to the public, a Blue Plaque now marks the home of Dr Peter Chamberlen and his family who saved so many lives. (The family name can also be spelled Chamberlin or Chamberlain.)

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St Margaret's Church Woodham Mortimer

Pretty St Margaret's Church dates from the 12th century, but the majority of the Grade II Listed building was reconstructed in the 19th century. Features include a 13th century font and an interesting graveyard with an impressive raised memorial to obstetrics pioneer Peter Chamberlen.
The Hurdlemakers Arms

We are a family run pub in Woodham Mortimer, between Maldon and Danbury in Essex. We serve home cooked food from local produce and have a great range of beer, ales and wine.
Woodham Mortimer Hall - Blue Plaque Site

Woodham Mortimer Hall is a private home, with no public access. The 15th century hall with its distinctive brick chimneys, heavily redeveloped in the early 17th century, was the home of obstetrician Dr Peter Chamberlen whose family invented the obstetric forceps and is marked with a Blue Plaque.

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The Deckchair Hut

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

themaldondeckchaircompany@btinternet.com

Maldon

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info@top-sail.co.uk

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I am a Beach School Practitioner and I run Beach School Explorers. We cover beaches, estuaries, rivers and all inland water and species habitats to connect children to their local watery environments and the curriculum through concepts such as food…
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Woodham Walter Women's Club, Top Road, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RQ

Telephone
07856281899

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Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 851898

enquiries@blackwaterleisurecentre.org

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Welcome to Maldon Splash Park, Essex's favourite children's water park!
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Centaur, Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

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Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

Telephone
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info@dawnbreakercharters.co.uk

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Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…
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Heybridge Approach, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4PS

Telephone
01621 854477

contact@maldon.gov.uk

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Bradwell-on-Sea Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QJ

Telephone
07906 269359

stthomaspcc@btinternet.com

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Join us each 4th Friday of the month in the Committee Room, which is at the rear of the hall, to celebrate and honour the divine feminine. Bring a blanket, cushion and mat if you prefer laying down for journeying work. Chairs are available for those…
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Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621850222

info@madisonheights.info

Maldon

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Address

Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

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Hoe Mill Lock

Address

Hoe Mill Lock, The Causeway, Ulting, Essex, CM9 6RA

Telephone
07367 346 045

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Field View Cottage, Tolleshunt D'Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Major, Essex, CM9 8EH

Telephone
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Address

80 High Street, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AA

Telephone
01621 782686

bellas.bistro@yahoo.co.uk

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At Bella's Italian Bistro, our mission is to provide you with delectable food served in the traditional way. Based in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, we have built our reputation upon this core aim.
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01621 773457

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Address

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tourism@maldon.gov.uk

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Address

84 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

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Address

191 - 193 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BU

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Dr Peter Chamberlen

The invention of obstetrics forceps in the 17th century made childbirth safer for generations of women and babies

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