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 421 to 440.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Curry Cottage

Address

47 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AG

Telephone
01621 781118

info@currycottagerestaurant.com

Burnham-on-Crouch

Curry Cottage is an Indian restaurant and takeaway located on the High Street in Burnham On Crouch. We offer an extensive menu to suit every taste. So if you wanted a traditional Indian meal this evening then there is plenty to choose from like the…
The Oyster Smack Inn

Address

112 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HR

Telephone
01621 782141

info@theoystersmackinn.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Contemporary independent restaurant with rooms.
Mrs Salisbury's in the Park

Address

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

Telephone
01621 888863

info@mrssalisburys.co.uk

Maldon

An extension of the very popular Mrs Salisbury's Famous Tea Room in Maldon, this kiosk offers the same high quality and friendly service in the leafy surroundings of Promenade Park.
Southminster Congregational Church Cemetery and Commonwealth War Graves

Address

Access between 2 and 4 North End, Southminster, CM0 7DN

Southminster

The cemetery includes two Commonwealth War Graves. Private E Chinnery of the Middlesex Regiment and W Witney, a driver with the Royal Army Service Corps both have memorials there.
CLUB OSEA Hawaiian Party Night ft. Boyzlife

Address

Osea Leisure Park, Goldhanger Road, Maldon, England, CM9 4SA

Telephone
01621 854695

info@osealeisurepark.co.uk

Maldon

Aloha! Boyzlife featuring Keith Duffy (Boyzone) and Brian McFadden (Westlife) headlines the second Club Osea Party Night at Osea Leisure Park! Set on the stunning Blackwater in Maldon, Essex, Club Osea promises to create an enchanting Hawaiian vibe…
Coffee & Cake Cafe at Clayhill Vineyard

Address

Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6HF

Telephone
07771 995460

booking@clayhillvineyard.co.uk

Latchingdon

Take in the stunning views of the River Crouch & Valley while enjoying a light lunch, coffee, cake or glass of wine in our Coffee & Cake Cafe. You are welcome to sample & purchase our wines through the cafe. Booked Tastings & Tours available.
Speedwell Pharmacy

Address

39 Imperial Avenue, Maylandsea, CM3 6AH

Telephone
01621 743078

maylandseapharmacy@nhs.net

Maylandsea

NHS community pharmacy providing pharmaceutical services to our local communities in Mayland and the surrounding areas in the Dengie, including prescription dispensing, smoking cessation and hearing aid battery replacement.
Maldon Tandoori

Address

191 - 193 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BU

Telephone
01621 850985

maldontandoori@hotmail.co.uk

Maldon

Established family orientated restaurant serving best authentic Indian/ Bangladeshi dishes. The owners pride themselves in their customer service endeavouring to give every customer a great experience.
Balti Bhujon

Address

24 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HZ

Telephone
01621 852564

Maldon

Balti Bhujon is an exclusive Indian restaurant situated in the historic ancient town of Maldon in Essex situated on the banks of the River Blackwater.
Arr Taxi and Private Hire

Address

Coleridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DH

Telephone
07903 433703

arrgroup-taxi@mail.com

Maldon
All Saints' Church, Gt Braxted

Address

Church Chase, Great Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EW

Telephone
01621 819557

thurstableteamadmin@btinternet.com

Great Braxted

The medieval church features a Nave and Chancel from the 12th century and is situated within the 2,000-acre Braxted Park estate. The churchyard is home to the Commonwealth War Grave of Brigadier General Hubert John Du Cane.
East of England Paddlesports

Address

Telephone
07704 607 964

info@eastofenglandpaddlesports.co.uk

East of England Paddlesports is a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying getting out on the water around Essex and surrounding areas. The group organises trips and events, offers tuition and has a buy and sell group for equipment…
The Moot Hall Weddings

Address

The Moot Hall, High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

Telephone
01621 851553

manager@themoothall.co.uk

Maldon

This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.
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…
Meatline

Address

12e West Station Yard, Maldon, CM9 6TW

Telephone
0203 39 77719

info@meatline.co.uk

Maldon

Meatline is a family business with three shops, including the West Station Yard store in Maldon, selling to the public and trade customers. Meatline specialises in meat selection packs as well as a wide variety of items for the barbeque. Home…
Thames Sailing Barge Trust Children's Days

Address

Sailing Barge Pudge, Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
07587 141054

events@bargetrust.org

Maldon

The Easter school holidays bring another Children's Activity Day on our historic sailing barges.
If you are a Parent or Grandparent of a child between 5 & 11 years, then why not book a place on our Easter Children's Activity Day on Thursday 11th…
Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail

Address

Southminster Railway Station, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EG

Southminster

A voyage of real ale discovery along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford to Southminster in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula
Burnham-on-Crouch & District Museum

Address

The Museum, Coronation Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HW

Telephone
01621 782184

burnhammuseum@outlook.com

Burnham-on-Crouch

Discover the story of Burnham and the Dengie from the Bronze Age to today. Explore its fascinating maritime and social heritage through the artefacts and records of people’s lives.
The Secret Butchers Shop

Address

Fowler Bros Ltd, Brook Farm, Marsh Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8NA

Telephone
01621 782759

fowlerbros@tiscali.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Butcher’s shop selling local beef/lamb/pork. BBQ packs and the speciality Burnham banger.
Christmas Crafts for Children - Burnham Library

Address

103 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

Telephone
0345 603 7628

burnham.library@essex.gov.uk

Burnham

Saturday 16 December. Christmas crafts for children aged 3 to 7 years old. Come along and make a decoration to take away.

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

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone