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 541 to 560.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

History of the Thames Sailing Barge

Address

Maldon Town Hall, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RL

Telephone
0300 303 3464

editor@bargetrust.org

Maldon

Join us at Maldon Town Hall to learn about the iconic Thames sailing barge and the role these vessels played in our history.
Statue of Byrhtnoth

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon…
Prince of Wales, Gt Totham

Address

2 Prince of Wales Road, Great Totham, CM9 8PX

Telephone
01621 892448

Great Totham

The Prince of Wales is a warm and welcoming pub in Great Totham for both drinkers and diners with a friendly atmosphere. Inside, the bar has a relaxed and welcoming feel, furnished with modern touches but keeping a traditional feel. Food is served…
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…
Manor House Tea Rooms

Address

Unit 3 Winterdale Manor Enterprise Centre, Southminster Road, Althorne, CM3 6YH

Telephone
01245 914036

manortearooms@outlook.com

Althorne

Manor House Tea Rooms offers a range of breakfasts, sandwiches/toasties, paninis, salt beef in none other than the original Brick Lane bagels along with a selection of other toppings. There is also a children’s menu available to accommodate the…
Code Club at Wickham Bishops Library

Address

School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

Telephone
0345 6037628

WickhamBishops.Library@essex.gov.uk

Wickham Bishops

Saturdays. A Saturday club for 8-13 year olds to explore and enjoy coding through the creation of animation and games. Computer available but you can bring your own laptop if you have one.
Wickham Bishops Sports Field

Address

Great Totham Road, Wickham Bishops, Witham, CM8 3NP

Telephone
01621 893025

contact@beaconhillfc.co.uk

Wickham Bishops

Large car park, changing rooms, pavilion, cricket pitch, two football pitches, four tennis courts, youth shelter, basketball net, public open space and nature area.
Hester Place Play Area

Address

Hester Place, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8SA

Telephone
01621 854477

contact@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Small site accessible on foot from Hester Place or The Pippins.
Enclosed children's play site, kickabout area, basketball net, wildlife area.
The Hexagon

Address

Mell Farm, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SS

Telephone
01787 211115

info@grove-cottages.co.uk

Tollesbury

The Hexagon is an impressive addition of open plan accommodation to the Radar Tower. The location is simply stunning as you are fields away from any neighbours down a farm track leading to the wonderful Essex Marshes and bird sanctuaries.
The Radar…
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.
Sgt Peppers Come and Meet Father Christmas

Address

3 High Street, Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AG

Telephone
01621 786500

Burnham-On-Crouch

Tuesday 12 December. Come and meet Father Christmas at Sgt Peppers. Price includes a children's meal and a gift from Santa.
Bradwell-on-Sea

Address

Essex, CM0 7QJ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Bradwell-on-Sea is a village and civil parish in Essex, England. The village is on the Dengie peninsula. It is located about 9 km north-northeast of Southminster and is 30 km east from the county town of Chelmsford.
Summertime Live Ministry of Sounds Ibiza Anthems

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

Ministry of Sound, the world’s biggest dance music brand, brings you an unforgettable live music experience!
A powerhouse lineup of world class musicians, fronted by the legendary Ellie Sax, come together live on stage to reimagine some of the…
Bradwell-on-Sea

Address

Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QJ

Bradwell-on-Sea

Bradwell-on-Sea is a village and civil parish in Essex, England. The village is on the Dengie peninsula. It is located about 9 km north-northeast of Southminster and is 30 km east from the county town of Chelmsford.
River Breeze Cafe Bar

Address

Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

Telephone
07443 871549

riverbreezecafebar@gmail.com

North Fambridge

Cafe Bar with decking and a classic pub menu, situated in a gorgeous marina. Come down and be greeted by friendly staff, Good Dogs welcome
Just the Gift

Address

135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

Amy@justthegift.uk

Maldon

New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)
The Tipsy Grey (South)

Address

34 Elizabeth Way, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4TG

Telephone
07875170053

rachael@thetipsygrey.co.uk

Maldon

Welcome to The Tipsy Grey and our gorgeous Bespoke Mobile Bars, ‘Winston’ and ‘Clementine’. We can’t wait to help you celebrate your wedding, special event or to meet at your next festival. Our Mobile Bars cover the North, South and everywhere in…
The Loft - Tea by the Sea

Address

Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869063

thelofttearoom@gmail.com

Tollesbury

The Loft is a modern tearoom with a vintage feel, set in the beautiful working marina of the lovely coastal village of Tollesbury in Essex.
Cowpiece Nature Reserve

Address

St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6NP

Telephone
01621 829566

mariadyer30@yahoo.co.uk

Cold Norton

Small wooded area with a pond in St Stephens Road. Picnic table and access for walking. Nearby lay by has parking for 2 cars.

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

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone