Nestled in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital you will find The Old Operating Theatre Museum. The journey to the museum is an adventure in itself, with crazy narrow stairs and small treads leading up to the original timber-framed Herb Garret. The rope banister adds a touch of authenticity, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you cling on for dear life. The red light green light system in place to avoid meeting others on the staircase is not only practical but also adds to the overall charm.
Upon entering, I was greeted by a gorgeous metal skull in the entryway, don’t be fooled by the desk at the bottom, the entrance and ticket office can be found at the top of the stairs with the green light indicating you can proceed upstairs, where you’ll find the till conveniently located.
The museum surprised me with its size, featuring a variety of interactive elements and exhibits that invite visitors to touch and explore. I particularly enjoyed the paper elements such as scratch cards, trivia collection sheets, and word searches – a fun and engaging way to delve deeper into the subject matter.
The inclusion of a Book of Home Remedies, which visitors can contribute to, was a fun touch that added a personal and interactive aspect to the experience. The apothecary area and dried herbs straight from my kitchen witchery dreams were a highlight, showcasing the practical aspects of historical medicine.
The crown jewel of the museum is undoubtedly the operating theatre itself. Dating back to 1822 and predating anaesthetics and antiseptics, it stands as the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. The atmosphere is reminiscent of scenes from ‘From Hell,’ and I couldn’t help but wonder if it had been featured in any movies.
In conclusion, the Old Operating Theatre Museum exceeded my expectations with its immersive journey through medical history, quirky interactive elements, and the atmospheric charm of the operating theatre. It’s a hidden gem that offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone interested in the fascinating world of medicine and surgery.
