The exciting story of the rediscovery of the oldest operating theatre in Europe dating back to 1822 is rather well known, but less attention has been paid to what else had been tucked in the attic of St Thomas’ Church before that…

From hooks, ropes, nail holes in the roof, to dried “opium” poppyheads, the archaeological record tells a much older story of how the space was used. Even the records speak of a “herb garret” over the church that was used by the apothecary of the Old St Thomas’ Hospital. But who was this apothecary and what was he doing in the attic? 

Join Dr. Monica Walker, Engagement Manager at the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret, as she unravels the different threads that create the story of the Herb Garret of the Old St Thomas’ Hospital and how it was used for the benefit of its patients.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions via the ‘chat’ function at the end of the talk.