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 301 to 320.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Under the Sea Family Funday

Address

Osea Leisure Park, Goldhanger Road, Maldon, Essex, CM94SA

Telephone
0162185495

info@osealeisure.co.uk

Maldon

Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into a magical day at the Osea Under the Sea Family Funday!
Maldon Prom Skate Park

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

Situated in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon, the Skate Park features a variety of ramps, jumps, rails and other obstacles for all ages and abilities.
The Skate Park offers the perfect safe space for skaters whether you're a pro or just…
Maldon King Kebab & Pizza

Address

169 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

Telephone
01621 851614

Maldon

Popular late night takeway with a wide range of fast food, from kebabs and wraps to fish and chips, fried chicken, burgers, kids meals, pizzas, garlic bread and more, including meal deals and family meals.
Heybridge Tandoori

Address

5 Bentalls Shopping Centre, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4GD

Telephone
01621 858566

info@heybridgetandoori.co.uk

Heybridge

Heybridge Tandoori is a popular restaurant offering both eat-in and takeaway options from its fully licensed and air-conditioned restaurant in the Bentalls shopping centre. The restaurant serves a full range of curries and Indian dishes, including…
North Fambridge Village Hall

Address

Ferry Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LS

Telephone
01621 742112

North Fambridge

Village Hall is available for meetings and events
The Friendly Frier

Address

13 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PB

Telephone
01621 853647

Maldon

Fish and chip takeaway and 50 seat restaurant. Open Tues-Sat 11am-10pm (restaurant last orders 9.30pm).
Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Wickham Bishops Library

Address

School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

Telephone
0345 6037628

WickhamBishops.Library@essex.gov.uk

Wickham Bishops

Mondays. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! Come along and join in with Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Wickham Bishops Library
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…
Lawling Park Hall

Address

Katonia Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AD

Mayland

This is a large, well equipped recreation ground with good access for cars and pedestrians.
McDonald's

Address

Fullbridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

Telephone
01621 842757

Maldon

Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries & shakes. Opening times 24 hours. Drive thru service also available.
Woodham Walter Common Walk

Address

The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6SA

Woodham Walter

This walk starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Woodham Walter. The views across rural Essex are lovely. The terrain is varied, with arable fields, horse paddocks, a nature reserve and woodland.
Latchingdon Village Hall

Address

Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6EU

Telephone
01621 773183

Latchingdonpc@yahoo.co.uk

Latchingdon

This village hall is insured to cater for up to 150 people and has parking for about 40 cars.
UK Fish Bar

Address

184 Wantz Road, Maldon, CM9 5DG

Telephone
01621 855521

Maldon

Traditional fish and chips, along with battered sausages, hot pies and other food and drinks to takeaway.
D-Day Event with Winston Churchill

Address

Combined Military Services Museum, Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

Telephone
01621 841826

julie.miller@cmsm.co.uk

Maldon

To mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, the Combined Military Services Museum will be welcoming Sir Winston Churchill Actor Eric Simonelli to the museum.
Come and meet the man, hear the speeches, and learn about the bravery of the troops who took…
Woodham Mortimer Hall - Blue Plaque Site

Address

Woodham Mortimer Hall, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer, CM9 6SN

Woodham Mortimer

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…
Mark Farmhouse

Address

Bradwell on Sea, Essex, CM0 7SP

Bradwell on Sea

Located in Bradwell on Sea in the Essex region, Mark Farmhouse features a garden. The accommodation is 24.9 miles from Chelmsford, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home is equipped with 4…
Caroline Community Radio

Address

Crouch Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8DX

Info@carolinecommunityradio.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Caroline Community Radio broadcasts across the Maldon District with a music format featuring the best music from five decades. Programmes are available on 94.7FM, online or via radio apps.
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.
Dawn Breaker Charters

Address

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

Telephone
07760 268168

info@dawnbreakercharters.co.uk

North Fambridge

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…
Tollesbury Marina Campsite

Address

Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869202

hm@tollesburymarina.com

Tollesbury

At Tollesbury Marina we can offer a complete camping package situated at the marina itself. For the past few years, our campsite has been getting steadily busier and we now have all the facilities in place to make your stay as fun as possible.…

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

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone