Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Nearby Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

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Hidden away in the roof space of the old St Thomas Baroque church, this restored 1821 women's operating theatre is the oldest operating theatre in England. The 19th century Old Operating Theatre is located on the original site of St Thomas' Hospital. The theatre - together with the Herb Garrett that also shares roof space - provides a fascinating glimpse into the past using exhibits to tell the story of surgery and herbal medicine. Functioning before antiseptic and anaesthetic surgery was invented, the theatre?s ominous collection of sawing, cupping, bleeding, trepanning and childbirth instruments appear more implements of torture than healing. The wooden spectator galleries surrounding the operating bed provide a stark reminder of the audiences who would gather, with morbid fixation, in the "theatre" to observe proceedings. In the oak-beamed Herb Garret pharmaceutical jars bursting with excavated plant remains from wormwood to knitbone perch, ready for action, on wooden shelves. Tours, talks, lectures combined with the location, detail and design of this museum make this place one of intrigue and interest - as well extreme squeamishness. Best for:
Herbs and hospital beds, operations and medicine.
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret events
Speed Surgery: Surgery In The 19th Century: Demonstration
TIMES 2nd Jun, 9th Jun, 16th Jun, 23rd Jun and 30th Jun 2012 - 2pm PRICING £6, child £3.50, concs £5, family £13.90
A surgical demonstration presented in the original architecture of St Thomas's Hospital in 1822.
Herbs, The Garret And Operating Theatre
TIMES 3rd Jun, 10th Jun, 17th Jun and 24th Jun 2012 - 2pm PRICING £6, child £3.50, concs £5, family £13.90
Learn about historical medicines made from plants and animals.
Herbs, The Garret And Operating Theatre
TIMES 1st Jul, 8th Jul, 15th Jul, 22nd Jul and 29th Jul 2012 - 2pm PRICING £6, child £3.50, concs £5, family £13.90
Learn about historical medicines made from plants and animals.
Speed Surgery: Surgery In The 19th Century: Demonstration
TIMES 7th Jul, 14th Jul, 21st Jul and 28th Jul 2012 - 2pm PRICING £6, child £3.50, concs £5, family £13.90
A surgical demonstration presented in the original architecture of St Thomas's Hospital in 1822.
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret images
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Opening and closing times for Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Further articles featuring Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret on LondonTown.com
The Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret 9a St Thomas St, SE1 Buried in the cavernous enclaves of the roof space in the St Thomas Baroque...
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London > Attractions > Museums
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London > Attractions > Sights
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London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
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Roxy Bar and Screen, 128-132 Borough High Street, SE1 | 6 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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London > Entertainment > Theatres
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London > Entertainment > Live Music
Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London Bridge, Bankside, London SE1 | 3 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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London > Entertainment > Theatres
Shipwright Yard, London, Bankside, London SE1 | 4 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Shopping near Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
8 Borough Market, Southwark Street, London, Bankside, London SE1 | 2 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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London > Shopping > Markets
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1 Stoney Street, London, SE1 | 3 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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London > Education > Professional Training
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London > Nightlife > Pubs
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London > Business > Venue Hire
Weston Street, London, Bankside, London SE1 | 5 minutes from Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Alternate names and popular misspellings for Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Hotels near Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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