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: 1117

, currently showing 341 to 360.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Museum of Power Christmas Decoration Workshop

Address

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Essex, CM9 6QA

Telephone
01621 843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Langford

Sunday 17 December. The Museum of Power is hosting a festive crafting session creating a trio of beautiful, live Christmas decorations.
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.
Creative Stays - Promenade Apartment

Address

Mill Road, Maldon, CM9 5HX

Telephone
07701071697

info@creativepropertyinvestment.com

Maldon

Self-catering apartment close to Maldon's Promenade Park.
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 Queen Victoria

Address

Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6ED

Telephone
01621 852923

welcome@queenvictoriamaldon.co.uk

Maldon

Gray & Sons - Queen Victoria. Victorian pub dating back to the mid 1800's. Home of cask Ales complimented by traditional home cooked foods, Licensees James and Paul look forward to welcoming you. Booking is advisable.
The Lock Tea Room

Address

The Lock, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RS

Telephone
01621 854466

thelock@trooms.com

Heybridge Basin, Maldon

Bright and airy, 'The Lock' is THE place to eat on the waterfront at Heybridge Basin. Indoors or out, it offers outstanding Blackwater Estuary views.
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Sea Lock

Address

Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

Heybridge Basin

Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable…
Light & Shade

Address

84 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

Telephone
01621 855566

lightshademaldon@outlook.com

Maldon

A small Independant lighting store but with a lot crammed in! A huge range of domestic lighting available, come and stare at the ceiling or browse through the catalogues - plus many hard to find bulbs and lots of shades in stock or made to order to…
Wreath Making Workshops at West Hyde Christmas Trees

Address

West Hyde Christmas Trees & Christmas Shop, St Lawrence Road, Tillingham, CM0 7SB

Telephone
01621 779507

shop@westhydechristmastrees.co.uk

Tillingham

Various dates. Learn to make a beautiful, traditional door wreath in the festive environment of West Hyde Christmas Trees' Christmas shop. The price includes all materials and a hot drink or glass of prosecco.
Dog Friendly Fridays - Wildlife Walk

Address

Hackman's Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RN

Telephone
01245 329358

info@stowmaries.org.uk

Purleigh

Every Friday. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is opening up its peaceful wildlife walk for well-behaved dogs and their owners every Friday. There is free entry to the walk and visitors and their four-legged friends are welcome to buy lunch or other…
The Vintage Rose

Address

32 Quest Place, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5AG

Telephone
07584 576227

the-vintage-rose@hotmail.co.uk

Maldon

The Vintage Rose is a vintage style tea room located at Quest Place just off of Maldon High Street.
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Heritage Walk - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.4

Address

Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.9 miles. This beautiful walk takes in a varied section of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, as it meanders through Heybridge, passing industrial areas and then emerging into the countryside
Tollesbury Saltmarsh Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.1

Address

Woodrolfe Road Car Park, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

Tollesbury

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.4 miles. This spectacular walk explores the historic village of Tollesbury with its bustling marina, historic lightvessel and interesting centre. Passing wildlife-rich saltmarshes, traditional sail lofts, an…
Woodham Mortimer Parish Field

Address

Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, CM9 6SY

hwmparishclerk@btinternet.com

Woodham Mortimer

A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football pitch and swings.
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…
Mrs Salisbury's Wickham Bishops

Address

2 The Street, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3NN

Telephone
01621 888802

wickham@mrssalisburys.co.uk

Wickham Bishops

Mrs Salisbury has opened its latest cafe in the former Mitre pub in Wickham Bishops. The main, split-level area has old beams and a roaring log fire on colder days, while there are tables and chairs on the front patio for sunnier days and dog owners.
Blackwater Estuary

Address

Blackwater, CM9 5HW

The Blackwater Estuary is a 5,538 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with 4,395 hectares being designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and Special Protection Area, while 1,099 hectares of the Estuary is…
Yachts, Vineyards & History: Burnham and Creeksea - Guided Walk No. 6.1

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Millfields Car Park, off Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

off Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch

Friday 8 September. Yachts, Vineyards & History. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - A delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch and nearby Creeksea, taking in river views along the seawall, birdlife, vineyards and…
Around and About Althorne Walk

Address

Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

Althorne

A pleasant 5.02 mile circular walk around the village of Althorne. The walk includes a short stretch along the River Crouch before turning inland through the fields and over the railway line before arriving in Althorne.
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.

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

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone