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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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info@muddyduckmaldon.co.uk

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info@top-sail.co.uk

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Little Braxted, CM8 3EU

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Address

4 Edwards Walk, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PS

Telephone
07964 982299

info@wholehealthfoods.co.uk

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

Telephone
01621 862324

spa@fivelakes.co.uk

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Friary Fields, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

Telephone
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parking.services@maldon.gov.uk

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

Telephone
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golfoffice@fivelakes.co.uk

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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.
Tesco Pharmacy

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Fullbridge Road, Maldon, CM9 4LE

Telephone
01621 852810

Maldon

Pharmacy within Tesco superstore dispensing NHS and private prescriptions, plus flu vaccinations, healthcare advice and over the counter medicines. Open on Sundays.
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Address

120 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

Telephone
01621 858 240

riversidecycles@hotmail.com

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Riverside Cycle Centre offers everything the cyclist could need. Buy a brand new or secondhand ride, from road bikes to mountain bikes and even electric bikes; plus service and repairs for bicycles of all kinds. The shop has cycling clothing,…
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Address

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Telephone
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contact@maldon.gov.uk

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Address

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Maldon@eastofenglandtravel.coop

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Address

180 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BX

Telephone
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enquiries@houseofdelight.co.uk

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Address

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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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