Leeches, Lancets & Toothpulling

Fans of the 'orrible and all things mired in historic gore, get along to the Old Operating Theatre this Saturday for a talk about the practice of medicine in the American colonies and compared to London during the same era. Historian and author Richard Kennedy will demonstrate the use of leeches, saws and chisels for amputation without anesthesia and what passed for the latest technology to be used on rotted teeth. Erg. The Old Operating Theatre is in the roof space of the baroque St Thomas' Church, where the herb garret used to be. Treat yourself to a gruesome Saturday afternoon exploring its past and thank your lucky stars for giants leaps forward in sedation. Open till 5pm. Admission £5.60/£4.60 conc/£3.25 kids.