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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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Topsail Charters

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Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
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53 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PT

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0845 765 4321

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Maldon Library, Carmelite House, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5FW

Telephone
0345 603 7628

maldon.library@essex.gov.uk

White Horse Lane , Maldon

Tuesdays. A fun brick building club for children of all ages at Maldon Library - FREE to take part. All materials are provided and the activity is available on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:30pm.
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.
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Chic, 98 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

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Chic
Little Totham War Memorial

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Totham Plains, The Street, Little Totham, CM9 8JQ

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Little Totham's moving modern war memorial was only built in 2019 and commemorates Private Ernest Albert Belcher who died in 1917 and Private Charles Chaplin who died in 1920. The memorial, next to the village sign, comprises three steel Tommy…
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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, The Square, Fullbridge, Goldhanger, CM9 8AS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Fullbridge, Goldhanger

Thursday 14 September. Along the England Coast Path: Goldhanger to Tollesbury. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - Fancy a long walk around the Saltmarsh Coast on the England Coast Path? This is the walk for you. A bracing hike along the…
The Victoria Inn

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Belvedere Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AJ

Telephone
01621 783585

victoriainnboc@gmail.com

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The Victoria inn is a family friendly, dog-friendly pub with a full schedule of live music and entertainment.
Specialising in pies, it also serves light bites and roasts on Sunday. There's a wide selection of drinks including real ales and…
Drapers Farm

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Drapers Chase, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4QT

Telephone
01621 852152

Heybridge

A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home of Maldon Cricket Club, Maldon Croquet Club, Maldon Rugby Club and Maldon Tennis Club.
H.E Creative

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23 High St, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AG

Telephone
+447487707201

hello@hecreative.com

Burnham-on-Crouch

RETRO ILLUSTRATION AND BRANDING WITH A PUNK ROCK AESTHETIC
Maldon Tandoori

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191 - 193 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BU

Telephone
01621 850985

maldontandoori@hotmail.co.uk

Maldon

Established family orientated restaurant serving best authentic Indian/ Bangladeshi dishes. The owners pride themselves in their customer service endeavouring to give every customer a great experience.
Topsail - Two Island Cruise

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cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

A "Two Island" cruise from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Bring a picnic or order a Ploughmans or Smoked Fish Platter.
Maldon Yacht Club

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Maldon, Essex, CM9 9EB

Telephone
01621 856895

info@maldonyc.org.uk

Maldon

Established in 1949 the MYC is a small but thriving sailing club situated at the end of the promenade opposite Byrhtnoth. The Clubhouse is a converted barge which provides a galley, bar, changing rooms and a clubroom.
Honeywood Farm Cabins

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Honeywood Farm, Honey Pot Lane, Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6RT

Telephone
07956527647

info@honeywood-farm.co.uk

Stow Maries

Welcome to Honeywood Farm, where we will do our utmost to make your stay fun, relaxing and memorable. Our cabins are comfortable and our location is quiet and picturesque. Whether you are looking for a family getaway or a romantic break our cabins…
Heybridge General Store & Post Office

Address

Unit 3B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Maldon, CM9 4GD

Telephone
01621 850590

Maldon

The new Heybridge General Store and Post Office also offers stationery, books, news and magazines, essentials, snacks and an off-licence,
Totham Hill Recreation Ground

Address

Braxted Lane, Great Totham, Maldon, CM9 8DD

Telephone
01621 891474

greattothamparishcouncil@btinternet.com

Great Totham

A pleasant, undulating site, approximately half woodland and half grassland with some large oak trees. Childrens play site, basketball net and kickabout area.
The Stone Inn

Address

101 Main Road, St Lawrence, CM0 7NA

Telephone
01621 778800

St Lawrence

Right on the sea wall with fantastic views over the beach from the upper tables, and a sheltered beer garden area, The Stone Inn at St Lawrence offers a refreshing pint, with a seafood stall in the garden area that sells Maldon Oysters and other…
Walk & Talk

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Meet infront of Park Drive Health Club, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5UR

Maldon

Monday mornings. Do you fancy a gentle walk and a chat? Adele Bovingdon has launched Walk & Talk which meets outside Park Drive Health Club next to Maldon Promenade Park every Monday at 10:25am. Rain or shine, the group will take a two-mile stroll…
Templeman Opticians

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32 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PN

Telephone
01621 850573

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Danielle Styles

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134 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

daniellestylesboutique@outlook.com

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Style your wardrobe with the latest women's fashion trends, plus nightwear, accessories and shoes at this boutique shop.

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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