You are here: Discover > History & Heritage > Famous People > Dr Peter Chamberlen

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.)

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

What's On Search

Food & Drink Search

Walk in his footsteps...

Inspiration

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.

Number of results: 1148

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tolleshunt Knights

Address

Tolleshunt Knights, CM9 8EU

Tolleshunt Knights

Tolleshunt Knights is a small village close to Tiptree, home to a Greek Orthodox Monastery set in an ancient church, as well as a large and modern village hall.
Oak Tree Meadow

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

Telephone
01621 856503

Maldon

The site boasts one of the largest and best equipped children's play sites in the Maldon District. The play equipment has been designed so that it is exciting and challenging for children of all ages.
Burnham Wick Farm

Address

Wick Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8LU

Telephone
01621 782128

zimsmiths@yahoo.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham Wick Farm is a medium-sized arable farm which adjoins the River Crouch and is very near to Burnham on Crouch.
CAFE 1989

Address

Unit 9, Wycke Hill Business Park, Maldon, CM9 6UZ

Telephone
07783 377059

cafe1989@aol.com

Maldon

CAFE 1989 is set in Hyside Motorcycles Ducati dealership - but that doesn't mean you have to be a biker to enjoy the great food and friendly welcome! The cafe serves high-quality homemade cakes and scones and Lavazza coffee all day, along with…
Hang Up Vintage

Address

27 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AG

Burnham-on-Crouch

High end stockist of quality vintage men's clothing, specialising in 1930s to 1950s Military and workwear, as well as Levi jeans and other quality pre-1980s mens fashion and clothing. The company has an extensive onliine offering as well as offering…
Oasis

Address

Caidge Row, East End Road, Bradwell on Sea, Essex, CM0 7PY

Telephone
07919134185

ds190209@gmail.com

Bradwell on Sea

Set in Bradwell on Sea in the Essex region, Oasis has a patio. The accommodation is 26.7 miles from Chelmsford, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
This holiday home has 4 bedrooms, a TV, and a kitchen with a…
Just the Gift

Address

135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

Amy@justthegift.uk

Maldon

New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)
Maldon Accessory Centre

Address

40 White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5QP

Telephone
01621 859444

accessories@sky.com

Maldon

As an independent business we can offer you expert knowledge and advice. Whether you need a set of brake pads, a new battery, some seat covers or mats to brighten up your car or even a set of furry dice we can help! Our massive web store contains…
The Canary Shed Open Day

Address

The Canary Shed, Creeksea Place Farm, Ferry Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

Telephone
01621786503

weddings@thecanaryshed.co.uk

Ferry Road, Burnham on Crouch

Are you on the hunt for the perfect place to get hitched? We're throwing open the doors to The Canary Shed on Sunday 2nd March 2025 from 1pm-3pm.
Sunset Yoga

Address

Crouch Ridge Vineyard, Fambridge Road, Althorne, Maldon, CM3 6BZ

Telephone
01621 450450

info@crouchridge.com

Althorne

Come and yoga with us in the beautiful grounds of our vineyard. It's a female only vinyasa style flowing yoga suitable for all levels.
We then head up to the balcony to watch the sunset with Mezze Boards and wine.
Forrester Park Golf Club

Address

Beckingham Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8EA

Telephone
01621 891406

info@forrester-park.co.uk

Great Totham

Parkland course and practice ground.
Saltcote Hall Caravan Site

Address

Goldhanger Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4QX

Telephone
01621 853252

Heybridge

Saltcote Hall is close to Heybridge and the basin, with the canal lock gates, pubs and tearooms. The market town of Maldon is three miles away, with its ancient quay. You can take a trip on one of the many famous Thames barges moored there or visit…
Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association Winter Gathering

Address

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

Telephone
07901 810383

info@essexhmva.co.uk

Maldon

Sunday 5 February. A gathering of classic and historic vintage military vehicles from WW2, Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War periods in Promenade Park, Maldon.
Flowers By Sarah Ann

Address

99 Wood Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4AS

Telephone
01621 857592

Heybridge

The Flower Patch is an established florist on the High Street in Maldon.
The Cricketers, Goldhanger

Address

33 Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AR

Telephone
01621 788468

cricketers@j-pleisure.co.uk

Goldhanger

Dating back to 1870, this welcoming little pub, offers good value food lunchtimes and evenings, and until 4pm Sun. Darts and pool. Dogs welcome.
Holy Trinity Church

Address

Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

Telephone
01621 742947

North Fambridge

This 200 year old church is the only place of worship in North Fambridge.
Jubilee Woods

Address

off Devonshire Road, Southminster, CM0 7AW

Telephone
01621 773868

Southminster

This site was created in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It is developing into a mixed deciduous woodland, with a network of paths which are interspersed with beautifully carved wooden sculptures of various…
The Kings Head

Address

128 High Street, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7DE

Telephone
01621 929983

Southminster

Serving the local community for the last 400 years, The Kings Head public house, located in Southminster, Essex, is the perfect place to meet with friends and family.
Vaulty Manor

Address

Goldhanger Road, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8BQ

Telephone
01621 842884

info@vaultymanor.co.uk

Goldhanger

Vaulty Manor is proud to offer a variety of stylish accommodation to suit every occasion from cosy weekends away exploring the stunning Blackwater Estuary to corporate functions and family celebrations.
Set in the tranquil Essex Countryside, the…
Madison Heights Roller Skate Pirates & Princesses Party

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621850222

info@madisonheights.info

Maldon

Friday 24 May. Pirates & Princesses Themed roller disco. Come in the theme fancy dress for discounted entry.

Dr Peter Chamberlen

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

Inspiration

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone