The Herb Garret
Long before the operating theatre was constructed, the vast attic of St Thomas' Church was used by the hospital's apothecary to store and cure herbs. The dry, drafty conditions were perfect for preparing medicines from poppies, mandrake, and other traditional remedies.
Walking through the timber-framed roof today, you can still smell the faint, lingering scent of dried botanicals.
The Women's Surgical Ward
In 1822, part of the garret was converted into an operating theatre for the women's ward. Surrounded by semi-circular tiered standing areas, medical students would crowd in to watch leading surgeons operate.
Because there were no anesthetics, speed was the surgeon's greatest asset. The environment was raw, loud, and crucial to the advancement of modern surgical techniques.
