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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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Bell Meadow

Address

Church Hill, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RF

Telephone
01245 373686

parishclerk@woodhamwalter-pc.gov.uk

Woodham Walter

This is a steeply sloping site with a relatively flat area at the top of the site. The elevated position allows good views over the village of Woodham Walter and beyond to the Chelmer Valley. A new children's playground has recently been built and…
Heritage of the Blackwater Day Sail

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Topsail Charters, Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

The Hythe, Maldon

Sunday 14 July. Fully day sail on a traditional Thames Sailing Barge learning about the history of barges, Maldon as a port and the River Blackwater.
Tillingham Flower Show

Address

West Field, Vicarage Lane, Tillingham, Essex, CM0 7TW

Telephone
01621 779212

capandfeathers@gmail.com

Tillingham

Join us for our 2024 show. There will be Horticulture & Handicraft Exhibits, Classic Cars & Motorcycles,Vintage Tractors, Tillingham Fire Service, Arena Attractions, Trade Stalls, Side Shows & Games.
Three Horseshoes Public House

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Burnham Road, Althorne, CM3 6DP

Telephone
01621 740307

Althorne

A village pub with a beer garden, serving food at weekends, including traditional Sunday roast. Regular quiz nights.
RNLI Burnham-on-Crouch, Lifeboat Station Open Day

Address

Lifeboat Station, Burnham Yacht Harbour, Foundry Lane, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BL

Dan_rodwell@rnli.org.uk

Foundry Lane, Burnham-on-Crouch

Selected Saturdays. RNLI Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat Station Open Day - See the lifeboats, meet and dunk the crew! Free entry, refreshments, stalls and much more.
WhimbrelArt gallery

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2 East Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QD

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Tollesbury

WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and craftspeople, along with special occasion gifts and jewellery. Work is exhibited by artists including local watercolour painters Mike Lang and Jonathan Smith, mixed…
North Fambridge Recreation Ground

Address

Fambridge Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6NB

Telephone
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nfampc3@gmail.com

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Facilities include a car park, football pitch, children's play site, and basketball net. Visitors should take care on leaving the site as visibility is restricted.
Chelmer Cruises Private Hire

Address

Heybridge Basin, Daisy Meadow Kiosk, Heybridge Basin, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 226 245

victoria@waterways.org.uk

Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon

Book your group outing or celebration on one of our trip boats and enjoy a cruise along the glorious Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation in Essex with Chelmer Cruises. .
Sunset Cruise

Address

Topsail Charters, Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

The Hythe, Maldon

Various dates. A "Two Island" evening cruise on a historic Thames Sailing Barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back.
Studio On The Quay

Address

The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AR

Telephone
01621 781100

Burnham-on-Crouch

Event space on Burnham-on-Crouch Quay, available for exhibitions, classes and more.
Osea Island Resort

Address

Osea Island, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8UH

Telephone
020 3026 4067

enquiries@oseaisland.co.uk

Maldon

A private island enclosed by four miles of beaches and coastline, just 45 miles from central London. The Edwardian style Manor House sleeps 20, as well as 10 period cottages.
Jacobs Farm Shop

Address

Jacobs Farm, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4YA

Telephone
01621 853395

Maldon

Fresh local vegetables and fruit are available from Jacob's Farm Shop in Heybridge, run by J.McCready & Son, a family business based in Heybridge and Tolleshunt Major. The farm shop is especially known for its local apples, including the famous…
Maldon Doggie Weekend - Day 2

Address

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

Telephone
01621 493438

info@maldondoggieweekend.com

Maldon

Following dreadful weather at the beginning on July we have re-scheduled day two of the Maldon Doggie Weekend. The event will feature lots of fun for the whole family and of course your doggie too.
Activities include; Have-a Go Agility,…
Goldhanger Parish Field

Address

Fish Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, CM9 8AU

Telephone
01621 860265

vysian.banyard@hotmail.com

Goldhanger

Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.
Wonder of Nature Art Exhibition

Address

2 Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

Telephone
07928747778

kalistecreations@gmail.com

Maldon

Local artist Lisa Gulleford will display her "Wonder of Nature" exhibition in Maldon over the next few weeks.
Wallasea Island - talk by RSPB Site Manager Rachel Fancy

Address

Azar Persian Restaurant, 159 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HJ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Event Cancelled.
Wednesday 13 September. SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL EVENING EVENT - Site Manager at RSPB Wallasea Island for 12 years, Rachel Fancy has seen the Island radically change and grow. At the start of her role, the nature reserve…
Community Gaming Initiative

Address

Maldon Activity Centre, Carmelite Way, Maldon, CM9 5GF

Telephone
01621 851891

Maldon

The Community Gaming Initiative (CGI) is a project to use gaming as a social tool to bring young people together to socialise and develop skills.
Beeleigh Falls & Heybridge Basin - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.7

Address

Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.25 miles. This most enjoyable waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside, including the scenic Beeleigh Falls and the seawall beside the Blackwater Estuary.
St Giles Leper Hospital Remains

Address

Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6EA

Telephone
01621 857373

administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

Maldon

Remains of an ancient Leper Hospital said to have been founded in 1164 by Henry II.
The Assumption of our Lady, RC Church

Address

60A Victoria Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HF

Telephone
01621 852259

maldon@brcdt.org

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The Assumption of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church in Maldon was opened in 1925, replacing a temporary place of worship that had been set up in and old converted Forge in Silver Street.

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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