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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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Birds, Boats and Big Skies: Tollesbury Wick - Guided Walk No. 4.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Woodrolfe Road Car Park, 42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

Saturday 16 September. Birds, Boats and Big Skies: Tollesbury Wick. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - Discover the breathtaking beauty of this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on this guided walk with the Essex Wildlife Trust…
Manythings

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165 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

Telephone
01621 785103

shelleysmanythings@googlemail.com

Burnham

Manythings is a family run business started in June 2005. We strive to find interesting and unusual gifts at competitive prices. We have a wide selection of items, including occasional furniture and homeware.
The West Field

Address

Vicarage Lane , Tillingham , Southminster, CM0 7TW

Telephone
01621 779584

tillingham.pc@btinternet.com

Tillingham

Car park, public toilets, football pitch, cricket pitch, bowls club, sports pavilion, enclosed children's play site and youth shelter.
Coffee Morning

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Woodham Walter Women's Club, Top Road, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RQ

Telephone
07856281899

fernbeighton@aim.com

Woodham Walter

Coffee morning with home made cakes, plus handmade earrings for sale, and a raffle. Organised by Girl guiding leader Fern Beighton who is raising money towards the cost of attending the Roverway 2024 and Jamboree in Norway this summer.
The Roundbush Pub & Café

Address

Fambridge Road, Mundon, Essex, CM9 6NN

Telephone
01621 829569

theroundbush@gmail.com

Mundon

The Roundbush is run by Gary Hoy and offers a warm family friendly atmosphere with its cosy open fire in lovely surroundings. The Roundbush has a café serving up cooked breakfasts, full English, sandwiches, lunches lighter bites and has a daily…
Orchard Meadows

Address

Southfield Way, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7RE

Telephone
01621 854477

contact@maldon.gov.uk

Southminster

Orchard Meadows consists of five adjoining meadows, each surrounded by hedges. The central meadow contains the remains of an old orchard with apple, pear, plum and walnut trees.
Rowing and Pedalo's at Chigborough

Address

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

Telephone
07702244440

chigboroughfarm@gmail.com

Heybridge

Rowing and Pedalo hire for days out in the summer on the picturesque lake at Chigborough Fisheries. Life jackets must be worn at all times on board.
Mundon Furze

Address

Woodside, Mundon, Maldon, CM9 6PD

Telephone
01621 850826

annhutchison1@yahoo.co.uk

Mundon

One of the last areas of surviving ancient woodland in the Dengie peninsular. The dominant tree species are oak and ash. Although there is something of interest to see all year round, the best time to visit is early morning in the spring.
Nathan's Chop Shop

Address

9 King's Head Centre, 38 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN

Telephone
01621 840136

Maldon

Gentlemen's barber shop in Maldon Essex offering a premium barber service to all. All inclusive time-based fee system - for example, the Full Works includes wash, cut, beard trim and styling.
Council Offices Car Park (Weekend only)

Address

Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5DL

Telephone
01621854477

parking.services@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

WEEKENDS ONLY. Car Parking with High Street Access.
RINGO Location Code: 21800
Hong Kong

Address

16 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA

Telephone
01621 773602

Southminster

Popular Chinese takeaway restaurant in Southminster High Street with a wide range of dishes to choose from, including a variety of set menus. Delivery locally is also available.
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.
Electric vehicle EV charging point - Tollesbury

Address

Gibbons Engineering Group, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8RY

Telephone
01621 868138

Tollesbury

Gibbons Engineering Group in Tollesbury, which sells and fits electric car charging points, is opening its own facility up for public use over the weekends - from Friday evening right through until early Monday morning.
The charger is a 22kW…
Bradwell Marina Bar & Restaurant

Address

Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7RB

Telephone
01621 776444

john_grima_100@hotmail.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

Enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the marina at Bradwell-on-Sea, visitors welcome. Occasional live music and special menus throughout the year.
Madison Heights Roller Skate Witches & Wizard Party

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621850222

info@madisonheights.info

Maldon

Friday 22 November. Harry Potter Witches & Wizards Themed roller disco. Come in the theme fancy dress for discounted entry.
Maldon Panto - King Arthur

Address

Maldon Town Hall, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RL

Telephone
07565 588680

maldonpanto@outlook.com

Maldon

Maldon Panto are pleased to announce our cast of dignatories and vagabonds for King Arthur - the Panto Merlin - Andee Byford
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Byrhtnoth's Viking Tour

Address

St Mary's Church, St Mary's Lane, Maldon, CM9 5JB

Maldon

Various dates. Discover the intriguing world of the Vikings and Saxons and learn the terrifying but moving story of the Battle of Maldon and the heroic defence by Byrhtnoth. The gentle two-mile walk is along paved footpaths and is wheelchair…
Subway

Address

75B High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5EP

Telephone
01616767810

Maldon

Today, the SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 44,000 locations around the world. We've become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. Wide range of subs…
Maldon And District Air Rifle Club

Address

Howe Green Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PZ

Telephone
07449895053

Purleigh

Over the last 15 years, Maldon and District Air Rifle Club has become the premier air gun shooting club in the South East of England.
Members have access to the site 365 days a year, from dawn until dusk. With only an annual membership to pay,…
Seal Trips Essex - Celtic Prince

Address

The Pier by Priors Boatyard, Quayside, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AS

Telephone
07853 401746

enquiries@sealtripsessex.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

New for the 2023 season, Seal Trips Essex offers a variety of cruises aboard Celtic Prince, a refurbished boat carrying up to 10 passengers, with toilet facilities, ample indoor and outdoor seating with a canopy, and the option of snacks and drinks…

Dr Peter Chamberlen

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

Inspiration

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