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: 1133

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Heybridge Creek

Address

The Causeway, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 5FA

Telephone
01621 854477

contact@maldon.gov.uk

Heybridge

Heybridge Creek is a channel that forms part of the flood relief scheme for the Heybridge area. The still, shallow water has led to the formation of a significant reedbed - in spring it is home to many breeding warblers.
The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

stpeterschapel@outlook.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this…
The Maldon Doggie Weekend

Address

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

Telephone
01621 493438

info@maldondoggieweeekend.com

Maldon

A fun family event for you and your dog. The event will feature; Dog Agility Displays, fun competitions, fun photo ops, talks from experts, shopping , something for kids food, drink and ice cream and more.
Crouch Valley with Wine Tasting and Food: North Fambridge to Althorne - Guided Walk No. 7.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Station Road, North Fambridge

Monday 11 September. Along the Crouch Valley: North Fambridge to Althorne. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This is a beautiful linear walk along the River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. Includes Blue House…
Woodham Walter Village Hall

Address

Woodham Walter, CM9 6RE

Telephone
07745 888173

Caretaker_wwvh@btinternet.com

Village hall with kitchen facilities, disabled access, stage with curtains, changing room and parking.
Cruise Essex

Address

Fambridge Yacht Haven, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

Telephone
07729 840898

enquiries@cruiseessex.co.uk

North Fambridge

Cruise Essex runs trips from Fambridge Yacht Haven on board Limoncello, a stylish Sealine F43 Cruiser capable of holding six guests in comfort. The vessel explores the River Crouch, and options include an afternoon tea cruise lasting around two and…
The Waffle Bar

Address

144 Maldon High street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BX

Telephone
01621 927678

thewafflebarmaldon@gmail.com

Maldon

Small family run business which specialises in the best authentic Belgium waffles with sweet and savoury toppings, delicious pancakes/crepes, delicious milkshakes, loaded Freakshakes, good coffee and light lunches and afternoon teas. Vegan and…
Wheels Hooves & Paws

Address

Elmwood Equestrian Centre, Elm Farm House, Maldon Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8NT

Telephone
01621 741564

minniebugg@hotmail.com

Maldon Road, Burnham-on-Crouch

Join us for a family-friendly event filled with excitement! Explore an array of historic vehicles including classic cars, motorcycles, tractors, and commercial vehicles. Enjoy the equestrian grace at the horse show and cheer for your favorites at…
The Best Kebab

Address

Unit 1, Colchester Road, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Heybridge, CM9 4GD

Telephone
01621 843331

Bentalls Shopping Centre, Heybridge

The Best Kebab is a friendly kebab shop and takeaway in Bentalls shopping centre in Heybridge. It offers a wide range of kebabs, including traditional lamb doner, chicken doner, lamb and chicken shish, kofte, adana, bursa and halloumi kebabs. You…
St Peter's Church, Goldhanger

Address

Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

Goldhanger

St. Peter’s Church is central to the spirit of the village and the close community here. We hold services on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00am and a family service every other week.
Meadows Barn

Address

Bassetts Lane, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM3 4BZ

info@meadowsbarn.co.uk

Woodham Walter

Meadows Barn is a new barn converted into Four Star Gold Enjoy England awarded apartments in the peace and tranquillity of the picturesque Chelmer Valley in Chelmsford, Essex.
Along the England Coast Path: Goldhanger to Tollesbury - Guided Walk No. 3.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, The Square, Fullbridge, Goldhanger, CM9 8AS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Fullbridge, Goldhanger

Thursday 14 September. Along the England Coast Path: Goldhanger to Tollesbury. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - Fancy a long walk around the Saltmarsh Coast on the England Coast Path? This is the walk for you. A bracing hike along the…
Men's Walking Football by England Football

Address

Upper Plume school artificial pitch, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

Telephone
01621854477

Ben.Thornett@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Run by Simon and Ben from our community health and wellbeing team, Walking Football is open to men aged 50+ and costs just £1 per player, per session.
Each session aims to encourage people over the age of 50 to get back into football, currently we…
Maldon Tandoori

Address

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

Telephone
01621 850985

maldontandoori@hotmail.co.uk

Maldon

Established family orientated restaurant serving best authentic Indian/ Bangladeshi dishes. The owners pride themselves in their customer service endeavouring to give every customer a great experience.
Maldon Gig Rowing Club

Address

Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

info@maldongigclub.org.uk

Maldon

Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.
The Party Ki from Christmas Experience

Address

Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon, Essex, CM07BE

Telephone
01245 327787

Info@thepartykingdom.co.uk

Latchingdon

Award winning family Christmas Experience based in Latchingdon.
Come and create some magical Christmas memories with our fantastic team.
Book online to avoid disappointment.
West Wick Yacht Club

Address

Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

North Fambridge

West Wick Yacht Club organizes both motor and sailing events including club racing, cruising, and social. Members receive a wide range of benefits including local chandler’s discounts, free racing, subsidised events and much more. To find out about…
Sunset Cruise

Address

cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

A "Two Island" evening cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Choose to add a cheese and ham Ploughmans or Fish Platter.
Mark Farm, Camping & Caravanning Club

Address

Mark Farm, Bradwell Road, Tillingham, Essex, CM0 7ST

Telephone
01621 779500

Stevenandsallygreen@farming.co.uk

Tillingham

Mark Farm is a Camping & Caravan Club members only Certified Site, situated on an organic farm. Toilets/Shower, electric hook-up, hard standing. Excellent walks & bird watching.
Abba Tribute Act

Address

The Star Inn, The Street, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LF

Telephone
01621 772646

Starinncaravanpark@gmail.com

Steeple

Why not dress for the occasion in 70's fashion. The group will be singing all your favourite Abba songs from 3pm.
All day BBQ available.

Dr Peter Chamberlen

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

Inspiration

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone