From Georgian medicines to 1950s clinics, discover the history of healthcare at Beamish this October Half Term.
From Saturday, 20th to Sunday, 28th October, find out about the dangers of being poorly through the ages as the museum explores A History of Health with themed activities taking place for all the family to enjoy.
The 1820s Landscape
- Discover the perils of Georgian medicine – will you take your chances with the Quack Doctor?
- Learn about different herbs and remedies in Pockerley Old Hall.
- Call in to our newest exhibit, Joe the Quilter’s cottage, to find out what medicines would have been available to Joe.
The 1900s Pit Village
- On Monday (22nd) learn how to play whist in Hetton Band Hall and enjoy a competitive game at 1.30pm – there’ll be prizes up for grabs!
- Meet the unofficial midwife in Number 4 Francis Street, hear about her role before the Midwives Act was introduced in 1902.
The 1900s Town
- You don’t need an appointment to visit our clinic in Ravensworth Terrace! Discover the history of the NHS as we look at the story of baby clinics and infant welfare. Have a go at tying a terry towelling nappy, guess the weight of the baby and find out whether sugar really did help the medicine go down in our 1950s clinic (open every day from Sunday, 21st).
- Marvel at the pills and potions on offer in the chemist’s.
- Visit the dentist’s to find out about the dangers of Edwardian dentistry, and try your hand at making tooth powders.
- See the work being done by community groups to highlight different health issues facing us today. Find out about NHS70, a Heritage Lottery Funded project, and share your memories of the NHS.
- Don’t forget to visit the Open Stores at the Regional Resource Centre to view a fascinating new display of medical objects!
The 1940s Farm
- Discover wartime first aid training, have a go at wound dressing and learn about traditional life-saving techniques (Saturday, 20th and Saturday 27th).
- Visit the field nursing station and discover if you have what it takes to work on a Second World War battlefield (every day expect Saturday, 20th and Saturday 27th).
- Learn about our health and wellbeing work in the Land Girls’ cottage, looking at links with the NHS and the museum’s current work with people living with dementia (Monday, 22nd to Friday, 26th).
- At The 1940s Farm you can also hear about the new Herbert Protocol, a national scheme encouraging carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Passes to enjoy this event.