The Operating Theatre | A London Surgery with a 300% Mortality Rate

💕Beneath the shadow of The Shard, pushing open the creaky wooden door to the attic of St. Thomas’ Church, the aroma of 19th-century herbs washes over you. Hidden here is the oldest operating theatre in all of Europe, showcasing the surgical techniques of the Victorian era. Built in 1822 within the former site of St. Thomas’ Hospital, it played a crucial role in London’s journey towards modern medicine. 🌿 You can explore the herb attic, which tells the story of the strange and wondrous herbs and potions used in medicine at the time, delving into the various functions of different herbs. There are also specimen areas, instrument areas, and diagnostic areas. You’ll see many objects, such as capsule-making equipment, snail water, urine samples, enema instruments, and nurses’ instruments and attire. ✨The most intriguing part is the restored operating room, which retains its original instruments and equipment, including a 19th-century operating table, surgical instruments, and pathology specimens. Inside, the semi-circular operating theatre is equipped with tiered seating for 150 medical students, resembling a theatre performance! Moreover, the glass skylight in the surgical dome has its secrets. Natural light was the only source that met hygiene standards at the time, leading to a 60% cancellation rate on cloudy or rainy days. 🩺 About Robert Liston, he created a “one saw, three kills” miracle on the operating table: the patient expired from excessive blood loss, the assistant was mistakenly cut and succumbed to infection, and a spectator’s heart stopped from the shock of the scene, resulting in a staggering 300% mortality rate! 🕰️ Time: Sunday to Sunday (10.30-17:30) 🎫 Admission: 9£ #LondonLife #LondonDaily #WeekendPlans #MustVisitMuseums #LondonHiddenGems #UKTravel #Curiosity #OldestOperatingTheatreInEurope #LondonMuseums #HiddenGems