Tudor Barber Surgeon

Girls in Year 8 were treated to an exciting History workshop on Monday.  The workshop showcased the life and work of a Tudor Barber Surgeon. 

Barber Surgeons were medical practitioners who performed surgery, unlike doctors who were mainly theory based professionals and very expensive to hire. They learnt their trade as an apprentice working with other Barber Surgeons helping the seriously wounded. They were called Barber Surgeons as originally many were trading as Barbers. As they were able to use sharp tools and good with their hands they were granted a licence to practice surgery.

The workshop covered all aspects of Medieval medicine and also the developments in treatment and technology of the early Renaissance. Girls learnt that with the invention of the printing press, medical books were more widely available, therefore introducing new methods and treatments to a wider audience around the world.

Girls were able to have hands on experience of medicines and items used for medical treatment during the session including a snake skin, dentist tools and teeth and surgical tools such as knives and scissors that would have been used to remove lead bullets.

Mrs Tinnelly, Head of History said “The Barber Surgeon workshop is always a fun and interesting way to see what medicine and the medical practices were like in Tudor times. This year was no exception and Year 8 were thoroughly engaged all the way through the workshop as they enjoyed learning about all the different types of treatment.

Photos show:  Barber Surgeons tools | Demonstration on scissors for removing lead bullets | A human hand | Special powder to ease pain

For more information contact:

Rebecca Conroy, Senior Marketing Executive, Pipers Corner School. Telephone 01494 719850 or email [email protected] | www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool | @PipersCornerSch