Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret

Along with the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, this museum was my most memorable experience in London on a trip that seemed to be filled with them.

There are two main parts to the museum. The first is their permanent collection outlining the contraptions, devices, pharmacy, and sometimes witchcraft that passed as medicine in the 19th century before Listerism. One could spend an entire day here if you work in healthcare (as I do) and have an interest in history (ditto).

The second part of the museum is the Old Operating Theater itself. I visited on a day when a group of school children were being entertained/educated on the finer points (or lack thereof) of surgery/amputation in Victorian England. One of them was chosen to be the patient (victim) and underwent a demonstration of a leg amputation.

The staff at the Old Operating Theater is second to none, in particular the woman who led the demonstration of the surgery in the Theater itself. She was very helpful and gracious during my entire time there.

Highly recommended.

Located near Borough Market, we decided to go visit this place.....

To get up there, we had to climb a couple of narrow spiral staircases, this added to the feel of the visit!Inside, you'd find an extensive collection of medical instruments and a good display of other quirky things. There are daily shows as well that tell you the history of the place and their collection of goods!

Certainly worth a visit even if you are not in the medical profession.

p.s And do look out for the tonsil gullotine!!!!