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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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Along the Blackwater Estuary, Maldon to Goldhanger - Guided Walk No. 2.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Butt Lane, Maldon

Saturday 9 September. Along the Blackwater Estuary to Goldhanger. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This linear walk of approximately 7.3 miles takes in a long stretch of the England Coast Path alongside the spectacular Blackwater…
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Howe Green Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QA

Telephone
01245 320426

jane.m.potter@btinternet.com

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A large, well equipped site in a lovely setting on the edge of the village. Car park, sports pavilion (available for private hire), cricket pitch, football pitch, two croquet lawns, enclosed children's play area and basketball hoop.
Creative Stays - Promenade Apartment

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Mill Road, Maldon, CM9 5HX

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info@creativepropertyinvestment.com

Maldon

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Maldon Town Walk - Self-Guided Walk No.1.5

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White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

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SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…
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Braxted Road, Little Braxted, CM8 3LD

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The great church artist Ernest Geldart was Rector of Little Braxted from 1883 to 1900, and he built this little chapel beside his Rectory in 1885 during a time when he was incapacitated after breaking a leg.
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The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

Telephone
01621 853 463

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Previously known as The Jolly Sailor, Fish on the Quay is a grade II listed building. Some parts date back to the 15th century, which are still visible today in the back part of our restaurant.
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Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

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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.
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Essex, Langford, CM9 4SS

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The village of Langford lie a few miles to the north west of the picturesque market town and port of Maldon, in Essex.
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East Hall Farm, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN

Telephone
01621 776564

bradwell@othona.org

Bradwell-on-Sea

Othona Community is an open and inclusive Christian Community offering a choice of themed activities and courses throughout the year, including survival skills, wellbeing and art.
Creeksea Place House and Gardens

Address

Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

Telephone
01621 784535

info@creekseaplace.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Creeksea Place is a 16th century fairytale Tudor Mansion set in beautiful gardens. The house with its captivating façade and tranquil surroundings is steeped in history.
The Indian Chefs

Address

116 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

Telephone
01621 493502

Maldon

Set in a magnificent 18th-century building, The Indian Chefs features a wide variety of traditional Indian food.
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation

Address

Paper Mill Office, CM9 4RY

Telephone
01245 226245

anthony.comber@waterways.org.uk

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.
Bradwell Pirates & Pubs - Self-Guided Walk No. 5.1

Address

Bradwell-on-Sea Village Hall, South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7QJ

Bradwell-on-Sea

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3 miles. This short walk around Bradwell-on-Sea and Bradwell Waterside, part of the Walk it Local collection, takes in traditional country pubs, a historic church, a thriving marina and the saltmarsh coast,…
Burnham Clock Tower

Address

High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AA

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Bradwell Village Hall

Address

South Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QJ

Telephone
01621 776406

brian.main1@talktalk.net

Bradwell-on-Sea

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Dengie Hundred Sports Centre

Address

Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

Telephone
01621 784633

enquiries@dengiehundredsportscentre.org

Burnham-on-Crouch

The newly re-furbished Dengie Hundred Sports Centre is a Community Sports Centre, committed to delivering fantastic facilities and service. Choose from our wide range of classes, including spinning /indoor group cycling, activities and facilities.
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Address

Church Street, Elysian Gardens, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QJ

Telephone
01621 869560

Tollesbury

Tollesbury Parish Rooms comprises the main hall and The Brightwell Room, both of which are available for hire for public and private functions. Regular weekly, monthly or one-off bookings are available. The hall has a full sound system with hearing…
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Address

1 Fullbridge, Maldon, CM9 4LE

Telephone
01621 859559

info@muddyduckmaldon.co.uk

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Address

Dengie, Essex, CM0 7US

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Is a village and civil parish in the Maldon district of Essex, England, with a population of 135, reducing to 119 at the 2011 census.
Tollesbury & Old Hall Marshes - Self-Guided Walk No. 4.4 / 4.5

Address

Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8QU

Tollesbury

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 6.4 or 10.2 miles. A fascinating walk around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes. This walk has plenty of stunning views, historic sites and bird-watching opportunities! Tollesbury nowadays is a renowned sailing…

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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