In 1811, Frances Burney (later Madame D'Arblay) underwent a mastectomy
without anaesthetic, leaving an account of the "most tortuous pain" she suffered in her journals.
Although there are few records from a patient perspective for the charity hospitals like St Thomas' (patients were poor and usually uneducated),
anecdotes of famous operations - including Burney, Samuel Pepys and Lord Nelson - can provide a picture of the patient experience in a time before modern medicine.
Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret
9a St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
info • what's on @ • map
For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.