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: 1150

, currently showing 161 to 180.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

D'Arcy House, home of Margery Allingham

Address

1 South Street, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, CM9 8TR

Tolleshunt D'Arcy

A blue plaque marks D'Arcy House as the home of famous novelist Margery Allingham who wrote the Albert Campion detective stories.
Burnham & Creeksea Stroll - Self-Guided Walk No. 6.1

Address

Millfields car park, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HS

Burnham-on-Crouch

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.5 miles. This short Walk it Local route offers a delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch and nearby Creeksea, taking in river views along the seawall, birdlife, vineyards and historic…
Riverside and Historic Maldon - Self-Guided Walk No. 1.3

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5HN

Maldon

SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 1.6 miles. A circular self-guided walk starting and finishing at Maldon's Promenade Park, taking in traditional boatyards and maritime industry, historic buildings and the bustling high street. The walk is all on…
Brentwood Mac

Address

St Mary's Church, St Mary's Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JB

Telephone
01621 840878

info@brentwoodmac.co.uk

Maldon

Saturday 16 December. An outstanding tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac. Brentwood Mac are a six-piece amalgamation of some of the finest local musicians and they all love the Fleetwood Mac catalogue.
Burnham Sailing Club

Address

West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

Telephone
01621 782624

enquiries@burnhamsc.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.
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.
BBQ King

Address

128 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

Telephone
01621 786909

info@bbqkingburnham.co.uk

Burnham

At BBQ King Burnham, we only use the finest fresh ingredients and all our food is prepared daily to ensure you receive the highest quality possible - try and see for yourself. We also have some great value Meal Deals all available for collection or…
Bellropes

Address

Maldon Road, Bradwell on Sea, Essex, CM0 7HY

Telephone
01621 776445

bellropes@outlook.com

Bradwell on Sea

Bellropes, is a large, country house sitting on the southern bank of the Blackwater Estuary in Bradwell on Sea, Essex.
Lewis Fashion Outlet

Address

1 High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AG

Telephone
01621 784993

brands@lewis-fashion.co.uk

Burnham

Branded women's fashion, including high-fashion evening dresses, daywear and leisure wear from Miau by Clara Rotescu. Also gifts and accessories, kids' fashion, men's accessories, scented candles and more.
The Old Ship

Address

Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RX

Telephone
01621 854150

info@theoldship.co.uk

Heybridge Basin

The Old Ship Public House is conveniently located at the end of the thirteen mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Canal.
Plume Academy Artificial Grass Pitch

Address

Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

Telephone
01621 854477

AGP@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

The Plume Academy AGP is managed in partnership between Plume Academy and Maldon District Council. The pitch hosts Academy and community usage weekdays and weekends. On site parking via Academy car park.
CAFE 1989

Address

Unit 9, Wycke Hill Business Park, Maldon, CM9 6UZ

Telephone
07783 377059

cafe1989@aol.com

Maldon

CAFE 1989 is set in Hyside Motorcycles Ducati dealership - but that doesn't mean you have to be a biker to enjoy the great food and friendly welcome! The cafe serves high-quality homemade cakes and scones and Lavazza coffee all day, along with…
Golden Sand

Address

15 Dryden Close, Maldon, CM9 6DG

Telephone
01621852752

Maldon

Extensive menu of Chinese food to take away, including Peking and Cantonese specialities. The takeaway menu includes all the usual sweet and sour, egg foo yung, chow mein and chop suey favourites, as well as more unusual dishes like satay duck and…
Happy Hog - Tea with Alpacas

Address

Hockley Meadows, Hockley Lane, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PZ

Telephone
01621 776074

onthewalldistillery@gmail.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon tea in a comfortable yurt then feed some lovely fluffy alpacas! Happy Hog in Bradwell-on-Sea, which also makes wood-fired pizza to take away and hog roasts for events, is now taking bookings for summer afternoon teas with…
The Basin Waterside Market

Address

The Jolly Sailor, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RS

Telephone
07493 057 297

Thebasinwatersidemarket@gmail.com

Heybridge Basin, Maldon

Every 2nd Sunday of the Month - The Basin Waterside Market will be your local hub for all things fresh, unique, and community-driven! Join us as we celebrate local artisans and small businesses. Follow along for updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and…
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.
Marinestore Chandlery

Address

Shipways Yard, North Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HQ

Telephone
01621 854280

chandlery@marinestore.co.uk

Maldon

Maldon Chandlery
Arr Taxi and Private Hire

Address

Coleridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DH

Telephone
07903 433703

arrgroup-taxi@mail.com

Maldon
Lawling Park Hall

Address

Katonia Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AD

Mayland

This is a large, well equipped recreation ground with good access for cars and pedestrians.
On the Wall Distillery

Address

Hockley Meadows, Hockley Lane, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PZ

Telephone
01621 776074

onthewalldistillery@gmail.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

A new craft gin distillery in Bradwell-on-Sea is creating fine gins with a selection of the best botanicals, including juniper berries from Italy and angelica root, lemon, orange and rose petals. On The Wall Distillery is home to the N653 gin with…

Dr Peter Chamberlen

The invention of obstetrics forceps in the 17th century made childbirth safer for generations of women and babies

Inspiration

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone