Peter Chamberlen the younger

The scanty evidence for the early use of the forceps only suggests, however, that Peter Chamberlen the third, in the next generation, may have had it.

When they arrived at the home of a woman in labour, two people had to carry a massive box with gilded carvings into the house.

The pregnant patient was blindfolded so as not to reveal the secret, while all others had to leave the room.

The people outside heard screams, bells, and other strange noises until the cry of the baby indicated a successful delivery.

The two families lived in London, Peter the Elder in the parish of St. Dionys Backchurch, and Peter the Younger in the Liberty of Blackfriars, where the church of St Ann Blackfriars had Huguenots in the congregation.