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.
Visiting Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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... More
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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 
