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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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Althorne Recreation Ground

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Burnham Road, Summerhill, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BX

Telephone
01621 744825

clerk@althornecouncil.plus.com

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Bell Meadow, The Street, Woodham Walter, CM9 6RF

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135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

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Seawall, 900m south-east of Holliwell Farm, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8NG

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Steeple, CM0 7RJ

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Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QJ

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Wycke Hill Business Park, Wycke Hill, Maldon, CM9 6TU

Telephone
0345 600 1795

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Pets at Home stocks all your pet care needs, whether it's for dogs and cats, small animals or fish, reptiles and birds. Helpful and well-trained staff can answer your queries and help you choose the right food and accessories for your pet.
Maldon Methodist Church

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135A High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

Telephone
01621 853423

mwbarrya@mweb.co.za

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Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday service is at 10:30 which features both traditional and modern hymns, with occasional livelier services aimed at young families. There are regular coffee…
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arrgroup-taxi@mail.com

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Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6HF

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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.
Sacred Sisters Women's Circle

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stthomaspcc@btinternet.com

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4 The Square, Heybridge, CM9 4LT

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07532 827772

bengalnights2023@gmail.com

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Common Lane, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6NF

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Yachts, Vineyards & History: Burnham and Creeksea - Guided Walk No. 6.1

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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Millfields Car Park, off Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

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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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