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 861 to 880.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Brickhouse Farm

Address

Poulton Close, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6GA

Telephone
01621 854477

contact@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

An area of grassland featuring a birch copse and an allotment area. The allotment area is managed by Maldon Town Council who can be contacted on 01621 857373.
Maltsters Arms

Address

7 Hall Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4NJ

Telephone
01621 853880

kathysimpson@xln.co.uk

Heybridge

The Maltsters is run by Kathy and Steve and offers a great friendly atmosphere and a good pint of beer. There is a small patio area at the back which is secluded and is partly sheltered.
Ansell & Sons Butchers

Address

5 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PB

Telephone
01621 853151

info@ansellandsons.co.uk

Maldon

Master butchers in Maldon High St since 1928, Ansell & Sons is a meat and game specialist. Its meat, game and poultry produce ranges are primarily locally sourced from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk farms, as well as direct from Smithfield Market…
Along the Blackwater Estuary, Maldon to Goldhanger - Guided Walk No. 2.3

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Butt Lane, Maldon

Saturday 9 September. Along the Blackwater Estuary to Goldhanger. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This linear walk of approximately 7.3 miles takes in a long stretch of the England Coast Path alongside the spectacular Blackwater…
Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary

Address

Maldon Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7HU

Telephone
-

Fiona@towerhillstables.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

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.
Heritage Winter Talk - Southminster Hall by Kevin Bruce

Address

Friends Meeting House (Quaker Church), Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Friday 19 January. Local historian Kevin Bruce presents the third in a series of Winter Heritage Talks, called The Bishops of London and their Palace at Southminster Hall.
Subway

Address

75B High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5EP

Telephone
01616767810

Maldon

Today, the SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 44,000 locations around the world. We've become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. Wide range of subs…
SEN Soft Play Sessions at Monkey Puzzle

Address

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

Telephone
01621 850222

info@madisonheights.info

Maldon

Monkey Puzzle is holding a monthly play session during term times for children with additional needs (SEND). The sessions are closed to the general public, allowing a safe and comfortable play session for children with disabilities and their…
Blue Boar

Address

Silver Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4QE

Telephone
01621 855888

blueboarmaldon@gmail.com

Maldon

The hotel offers a range of elegant accommodation with 28 en-suite bedrooms, 4 historic suites, and rooms range from a standard single or doubles with imposing four poster beds.
Paul's Express

Address

48 The Street, Heybridge, CM9 4NB

Heybridge

Popular off-licence and convenience store with a wide range of products, including vegan and vegetarian, fair trade, whole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen foods and household essentials. The alcohol selection includes an…
The Burnham Grill

Address

24 High Street, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AA

Telephone
01621 786000

Burnham on Crouch

The Burnham Grill offers a wide range of tasty takeaway food, including pizza, calzone, fried chicken, burgers, kebabs and chips. Home delivery is available.
Creeksea Place Barns

Address

Ferry Road, Burnham On Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

Telephone
01621 786 503

info@creekseaplacebarns.co.uk

Burnham On Crouch

Set on a picturesque farm in beautiful countryside, Creeksea Place Barns provides luxury holiday accommodation in a lovely restored historic Essex barn.
The Bell Inn

Address

Beckingham Street, Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, CM9 8LL

Telephone
01621 868154

info@thebeckinghambell.com

Tolleshunt Major

Andy & Rosie welcome you to The Bell Inn. A welcoming public house for everyone to visit with gardens open to relax and have a drink or perhaps some lunch.
Great & Little Braxted & Wickham Bishops War Memorial

Address

Junction of Beacon Hill and Kelvedon Road, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3HW

Wickham Bishops

Great Braxted, Little Braxted and Wickham Bishops war memorial is a Grade II listed stone memorial with a tall, hexagonal pillar topped with an orb and cross, standing on a three-step hexagonal plinth. The memorial was given to the area by Mr and…
Mega Fun Day

Address

Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07807465396

info@megainflatables.co.uk

Maldon

Huge outdoor family fun day with 12+ inflatables, children's entertainer with magic show, games show and more, plus go karts!
All inclusive fun for all!
Burnham War Memorial

Address

High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AG

Burnham

Burnham’s war memorial remembers 98 local soldiers who died in the First World War, and 27 soldiers and 10 civilians who died in the Second World War. The pale stone obelisk, which looks out over the estuary, was designed by the renowned architect R…
"Hands-On" Day Sail Experience

Address

Topsail Charters, Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

The Hythe, Maldon

Various dates. Learn to sail a traditional Thames Sailing Barge; set the sails, take the wheel and discover how two people can manage the boat. Fully catered.
Tollesbury Marina Campsite

Address

Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 869202

hm@tollesburymarina.com

Tollesbury

At Tollesbury Marina we can offer a complete camping package situated at the marina itself. For the past few years, our campsite has been getting steadily busier and we now have all the facilities in place to make your stay as fun as possible.…
Free Children's Easter Craft Morning

Address

Maldon United Reformed Church, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

Telephone
07970212643

info@maldonurc.org.uk

Maldon

Come along and enjoy crafts and activities with an Easter theme on Saturday 5 April, 10am to 12. Children over six can be left, subject to numbers. Younger children must be accompanied. Free drinks and hot cross buns. No need to book, just turn…
Rainbows End

Address

Saint Lawrence, Essex, CM0 7ND

Saint Lawrence

Set in Saint Lawrence in the Essex region, Rainbows End has a patio. The accommodation is 18 miles from Basildon, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a TV and a fully…

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

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address