Year 11 Historians Step Back in Time at the Old Operating Theatre
Our Year 11 historians recently had the opportunity to step back in time with a visit to the fascinating Old Operating Theatre in Southwark, as part of their Medicine Through Time course. The trip provided a unique insight into the realities of surgery before the advent of modern medical advancements.
Students experienced a gripping demonstration of an operation as it would have been performed before anaesthetics were discovered, gaining a real appreciation for the challenges faced by both patients and surgeons. Their impressive knowledge shone through as they engaged thoughtfully with the session, answering questions with confidence and curiosity. Exploring the types of procedures carried out in the past—and seeing the surgical instruments up close—left everyone grateful for the advancements of 21st-century medicine!
The visit continued in the Herb Garret, once used by the apothecaries of St Thomas’ Hospital to dry medicinal herbs. Here, students explored the evolving role of herbal remedies and even encountered real leeches, a treatment used for centuries to balance the body’s humours. The experience brought to life key themes from their studies, reinforcing their understanding of historical medical practices.
This enriching visit provided an unforgettable glimpse into the past, and we look forward to returning in the future with our next cohort of GCSE historians.
