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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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Holly's Diner

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Crouch Motel, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EX

Telephone
01621 740770

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Information: Founded in 1993 by Fiona Oakes, Tower Hill Animal Sanctuary is a forever home to over 450 rescued animals, both domestic and ex-farm.
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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Burnham Station, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch

Thursday 14 September. Explore the Dengie Peninsula with Craft Beer and Food. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This invigorating walk takes you from the charming riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in a steady ascent across the final…
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Albert Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8DZ

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C/O Council Offices, South Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

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Wickham Bishops Village Hall, Snows Corner, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3JZ

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Queensborough Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7AB

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Around the Maldon District including from, Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival is a 10-day festival, designed to help visitors and locals enjoy the Maldon District's rich tapestry of history and heritage along its 75 miles of coastline.
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East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN

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The Cockle Spit is a massive and ever-moving bank made from cockle and oyster shells. It's managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and is visited by a huge number of wading birds. From here you can see concrete barges from the Second World War, used in…
Coffee & Cake Cafe at Clayhill Vineyard

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Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6HF

Telephone
07771 995460

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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.
Golf at Five Lakes Resort

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Five Lakes Resort, Colchester Road, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, CM9 8HX

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Five Lakes Resort is home to two of the best golf courses in Essex. The tees and greens are meticulously maintained, and present a challenge to golfers both novice and experienced.
Sark Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

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102 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

Telephone
01621 850001

booking@sarkrestaurant.co.uk

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Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant, with a separate upstairs cocktail bar. Sark serves a wide and frequently changing menu of specialities such as kebabs and grills, including sharing platters, sea food, pasta, hot and cold meze selections and…
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Little Totham, CM9 8JQ

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Little Totham is a village in Essex, England, with a population of about 300, measured at 400 in the 2011 Census. The parish extends from the extensive common and heath-land of Tiptree down to the River Blackwater.
Mayland Christmas Market

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Imperial Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AH

Telephone
01621000000

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Come along to our annual outdoor Christmas Market on 30th November and meet Santa, enjoy carols around the tree, children's rides, face painter and pick up some Christmas presents for friends and family from one of our fantastic stalls, all whilst…
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The Street, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4NB

Telephone
01621 857004

Heybridge

A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century to its present condition. Seating for 200 including choir, with wheel chair access and hearing aid loop system.
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163 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

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01621 781067

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Maldon Escape Rooms

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Edwards Walk Shopping Arcade, 22 White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5QP

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Maldon Escape Rooms is suitable for families, groups, corporate team building, stag nights, hen nights and anyone wanting a good hour of fun solving puzzles against the clock. Can you escape our themed rooms in one hour or less?
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St Stephen's Road, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6NP

Telephone
01621 742947

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On the Latch, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6BL

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The Swan (The Reed Room), 73 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5EP

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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

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