Join us as we guide you through the dark side of Southwark.

Join the Old Operating Theatre walk in the footsteps of historic figures including famed surgeon Sir Astley Cooper the notorious body-snatching Borough Gang. Learn about the training of early 19th century surgeons in London and the ‘necessary inhumanity’ that led to the rise of the ‘resurrection men’ skulking around the burial grounds of Southwark. This 90-minute historical walk will leave you with a deeper appreciation for medical history and the art and science of anatomy.  

Topics include:  

• The social context of St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Hospital, and early 19th century surgical training 

• The rise of anatomy schools and the need for dissection subjects 

• The legal technicalities that led to the rise of the ‘resurrection men’ 

• The Borough Gang of body-snatchers and their techniques and sources 

• Precautions taken by those who feared having their bodies snatched 

• Events leading to the passing of the Anatomy Act in 1832 

Meeting point: Guy's Courtyard, next to the statue of Thomas Guy.