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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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Rafadoodle's

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

Telephone
01621 927171

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Burnham-on-Crouch

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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, The Square, Fullbridge, Goldhanger, CM9 8AS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

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Various locations, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

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Stansgate Abbey Farm, Stansgate, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7NU

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Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6LR

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tourism@maldon.gov.uk

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Goldhanger Village Hall, Head Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8AP

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Enjoy a spot of bingo at Goldhanger Village Hall.
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34 Elizabeth Way, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4TG

Telephone
07875170053

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Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…
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Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

Telephone
01621 776256

onthewater@essexoutdoors.com

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East of England Paddlesports

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Telephone
07704 607 964

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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…
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Address

Station Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EW

Telephone
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SK8TERS Roller Rink

Address

Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
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info@madisonheights.info

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Address

39 Imperial Avenue, Maylandsea, CM3 6AH

Telephone
01621 743078

maylandseapharmacy@nhs.net

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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.
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Address

The Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
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1 Mill Road, Maldon, CM9 5HX

Telephone
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116 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

Telephone
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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

Inspiration

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