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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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Plume Academy Artificial Grass Pitch

Address

Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

Telephone
01621 854477

AGP@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

The Plume Academy AGP is managed in partnership between Plume Academy and Maldon District Council. The pitch hosts Academy and community usage weekdays and weekends. On site parking via Academy car park.
Marts Parts

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2-6 Devonshire Road, Burnham, CM0 8BH

Telephone
01621 784378

Info@martsparts.co.uk

Burnham

Hardware and homeware shop selling a wide range of decorating supplies, including Dulux paint, along with all kinds of items for the home and garden.
St Mary & St Margarets Church & Commonwealth War Graves

Address

Church Lane, Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SL

Stow Maries

The parish church of St Mary and St Margaret is Grade II* Listed. The church chancel was built in the 14th century and the nave in the 15th century. The churchyard has five Commonwealth War Graves.
Christmas Craft Fayre

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6RN

Telephone
01245 429134

info@stowmaries.org.uk

Purleigh

A chance to enjoy some truly festive creations from our community of local crafters, designers and makers - as well as the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome museum.
Kitchen Cafe - Proper Egg & Beans

Address

87 Washington Road, Maldon, CM9 6JE

Telephone
01621 859240

Maldon

Traditional cafe with hot drinks, hearty cooked breakfasts, lunches and more.
Tom’s Farm Shop

Address

Maldon Road, Great Totham, C05 0QA

Telephone
01621 891081

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Tom’s Farm Shop specialises in garden timber products such as decking, gates, sheds, play houses and benches, along with fresh local fruit and vegetables, food products, and wild bird care, with bird food, nesting boxes and feeders available.
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Tolleshunt D'Arcy, CM9 8TS

Tolleshunt D'Arcy

Tolleshunt D'Arcy is a village and civil parish in the county of Essex in the East of England. The parish has a parish council, and lies within the area of Maldon District Council.
The Santa Bus - Burnham Library

Address

Burnham Library, 103 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

Telephone
0345 603 7628

burnham.library@essex.gov.uk

Burnham

Tuesday 19 December. FREE Santa bus. Come along and meet Santa, tell him what you want for Christmas, join in with our festive crafts and enjoy some free refreshments.
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Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating lake, consists of 86 Horse Chestnut trees that were planted in 1987 to commemorate local people who died serving their country during World War Two.
Madison Heights Roller Skate 80s & 90s Party

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621850222

info@madisonheights.info

Maldon

Friday 16 February. 80s & 90's Themed roller disco. Come in the theme fancy dress for discounted entry.
Mei Kwong Chinese Food

Address

32 The Street, Heybridge, CM9 4NB

Telephone
01621 859353

Heybridge

Chinese restaurant serving a variety of oriental dishes, including set menus, as well as Thai curries and satay. Delivery or collection.
Burnham Sailing Club

Address

West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

Telephone
01621 782624

enquiries@burnhamsc.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.
Essex Waterways Limited

Address

Papermill Lock, North Road, Little Baddow, Maldon, Please select a region, state or province., CM3 4BS

Telephone
01245226245

Essex @waterways.org.uk

Little Baddow, Maldon

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Tractor Shed

Address

London Heys Farm, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6LQ

Telephone
01621 740282

Latchingdon

A small community theatre and auditorium, home of the Latchingdon Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) as well as other local events. Set in a real farmyard barn with tractors.
Wildlife Scavenger Hunt

Address

Maldon, Essex

Maldon

We have created a downloadable Wildlife Scavenger Hunt activity to offer a fun and educational activitiy for any budding wildlife fans.
Have a go at our Widlife Scavenger Hunt today and see how many species you can find!
32 The Hythe

Address

32 The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 859435

gibbsie@live.co.uk

Maldon

We are situated by the river Blackwater in the picturesque market town of Maldon with majestic Thames Barges moored up outside.
Goldhanger Sailing Club

Address

Fish Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AX

Telephone
01621 788145

secetary@goldhangersailingclub.org.uk

Goldhanger

Goldhanger Sailing Club
Maldon Town Hall

Address

Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4RL

Telephone
01621 857373

administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

Maldon

Maldon Town Council provide a number of rooms in the Town Hall for hire, that are suitable for a variety of events.
The Ferry Boat Inn

Address

Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6LR

Telephone
01621 738844

info@ferryboatinnessex.com

North Fambridge

Essex weatherboard pub with accommodation, log fires, oak beams and traditional home-cooked food, next to the River Crouch. There is a separate (non-smoking) 28-seat restaurant. Large conservatory (38 seats) opening onto beer garden.
Althorne

Address

Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BY

Althorne

Althorne is a village and civil parish in Essex, England. It is located 21 km east-southeast from the county town and city of Chelmsford.

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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