Hugh Chamberlen the younger facts for kids

Hugh Chamberlen the younger (1664–1728) was a popular English doctor in London. He came from a family of doctors and was known for his work in medicine, especially helping mothers with childbirth.

Early Life and Education

Hugh Chamberlen the younger was born in 1664. He was the oldest son of another famous doctor, Hugh Chamberlen the elder.

Hugh studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1683. This degree was given to him by special royal permission. After that, he went to the University of Leyden to study medicine. He then returned to Cambridge and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1689.

In 1694, Hugh Chamberlen became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. This was a very important group for doctors in England. He also served as a "censor" for the college in 1707, 1719, and 1721. A censor helped make sure doctors followed the rules and kept high standards.

Medical Practice and Patients

Like his father and other family members before him, Hugh Chamberlen specialized in midwifery. This means he helped women during childbirth. He was very popular and had many important and well-known patients.

Hugh Chamberlen was friends with famous people of his time. He even had dinner with the writer Jonathan Swift. He also cared for Francis Atterbury when he was staying in the Tower of London.

Chamberlen lived in King Street, Covent Garden, in London. However, he spent a lot of time with the Duchess of Buckingham and Normanby at Buckingham House. This house later became the famous Buckingham Palace.

Hugh Chamberlen died at Buckingham House on June 17, 1728, after being ill for a long time.

Published Work

Hugh Chamberlen did not publish many works. His only known published work was a poem written in Latin. It was called an epithalamium, which is a poem written to celebrate a wedding. He wrote it for the marriage of Princess Anne in 1683. Princess Anne later became the Queen of Great Britain.

Lasting Memory

A special monument was built to remember Hugh Chamberlen. It was put up by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is a very famous church in London where many important people are buried or remembered.

The monument shows a life-sized statue of Chamberlen lying down in his doctor's robes. It sits on top of a stone coffin, surrounded by sculptures that represent different ideas. There is also a long message written in Latin by Francis Atterbury. This message praises Chamberlen's family, his life, his children, and the Duke who supported him.

The monument also mentions that Chamberlen safely delivered the Duchess of Buckingham and Normanby's baby. This event was also written about by the 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in his essay On Vulgar Errors. Hugh Chamberlen is also mentioned in a poem called The Dispensary by Samuel Garth.

After his wife passed away, Hugh Chamberlen's large collection of books was sold in 1734. A copy of the list of these books is now kept at the British Museum.

Family Life

Hugh Chamberlen married three times during his life. He had three daughters.