Saturday 2 June 2018

It's OK Doc. I'll walk it off! Old operating theatre museum, London


With the half term in full effect and the kids needing to do some research for their school projects I dragged them off to another of my little secret places; the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, near the Shard.



Unlike the Grant Museum this place does have an entry fee but I feel it is well worth it.


It is a tiny museum but really does feel like stepping back 200 years.
 

One of the reasons it was left untouched for so long was it was kind of forgotten about when the original hospital was relocated and it was only accessable via a hole in a wall in the original church tower. . . . i.e. this one. . . . . 


The pièce de résistance of the place is the original operating theatre which is believed to be the oldest operating theatre in Europe.



There were only 20ish people in the entire place when we visited and that included us!

"Get down here Dad . . . . . We want to practise!"

Now part of the reason is it is a nightmare to find. . . . . The entrance is the small door in the centre of the picture below. . . . . .


 . . . and then there is the stairs to get in . . . . . 


14 comments:

  1. What a great looking place, I had absolutely no idea it existed - now on the 'to do' list.

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    1. I feel it should be on anyone visiting Londons 'to do' list.

      Well worth an hour of your time.

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  2. Atmospheric is not the word, what a great place. Oldest operating theatre too, impressive, did the kids like it, they do look a bit like they are bearing it for Dad :-)

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    1. They did enjoy it. They always look at me like that ;0)

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  3. The wife found this place when our kids where around the same age, well worth the trip to the Southbank on its own, but with the globe and other attractions close by a great day out for all.

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    1. My kids are now banging on about going the the viewing platform in the shard.

      It really is in the middle of the action.

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    2. Best thing we ever did in London has a treat was one of the ghost walks, their usually early evening over a weekend when the cities quiet so comfortable shoes and grab a pizza afterwards - you'll find out a lot about the history of the city and about the places you walk passed everyday.

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    3. not sure the kids are ready for that yet. Could do without the nightmares!

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    4. And the glass floor is OK, is it? Don't get too hung up on the name, their now simply called London Walks and well worth it for things like this - https://www.london-walking-tours.co.uk/secret-london/philpot-lane-mice.htm

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  4. Well, this is now on my list of places I need to go!

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    Replies
    1. I think you will find it quite inspiring for your stuff!

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  5. I’ll also add that if you have National trust membership you get in for free

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