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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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Aesthetics

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hairaesthetics@yahoo.co.uk

Maldon

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Tiptree Road, Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EE

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Muslim Hall, Church St, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

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Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3JZ

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Nipselss Chase, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6EH

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Previously a dense blackthorn scrub that was completely inaccessible, this site has now been opened up in part with paths & a central glade. There are a number of picnic benches & an information board about the site & its abundant wildlife.
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Osea Leisure Park, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge, CM9 4SA

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The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Woodrolfe Road Car Park, 42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, CM9 8SE

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

42 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

Sunday 10 September. Tollesbury & RSPB Old Hall Marshes. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - The two walks offered (short and long) are around Tollesbury and the surrounding marshes, much of which is a RSPB nature reserve. Both walk…
Ship Ahoy Cottages

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Old Hall Farm, Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Essex, CM9 8TP

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info@ship-ahoy.co.uk

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Ship Ahoy Holiday Cottages are an ideal base for a family holiday or short break where visitors can take advantage of fantastic walks around the isolated marshland coast, world class bird watching, a strong tradition of sailing.
Great Braxted

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Great Braxted, CM8 3EF

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Great Braxted is a village between Great Totham and Tiptree in Essex, England. The population at the 2011 census was 130. The local manor house is known as Braxted Park.
Golden Sand

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15 Dryden Close, Maldon, CM9 6DG

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The Oyster Smack Inn is a charming local restaurant and cocktail bar with accommodation. Built in the 1800's, the building is full of character and sets the scene for an outstanding and extremely popular local Restaurant. The dining room and bar are…

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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