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Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret

Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret

The Old Operating Theatre, Museum & Herb Garret is a hidden gem. Others have called it "the strangest of museums" and New Scientist approvingly said: "a fascinating insight into the medical practices of the first half of the [19th] century".

Here is Britain's oldest surviving operating theatre, rediscovered in the 1950s after lying forgotten for decades.

The approach is by way of St Thomas' Church (built by Wren's master mason Thomas Cartwright) in the Borough which reminds us that St Thomas' Hospital was in Southwark before moving upstream leaving the site to Mr Guy's Hospital.

Britain's oldest operating theatre has been restored, and boasts a 19th century operating table.

9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Show me Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret on a map
Nearest tube station: London Bridge (128 yards)
Tel: (020) 7188 2679
Web: www.oldoperatingtheatre.com
Twitter: @OldOpTheatre
Open: Daily 10.30am-5pm
Prices: £6; conc £5; child £3.50; family (2+4) £13.90
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