On Monday, Year 4 and Year 5 went on a trip to The Old Operating Theatre. We saw real brains, intestines, and appendixes on display! We learnt that operations would only take place on Fridays in a very dirty environment where only men were allowed to watch. We also learnt that operations had to be done in under two minutes otherwise the person you were operating on would likely die. The lady who led the workshop told us that the fastest time ever recorded for a leg amputation was 17 seconds. People would also think that the more blood and puss on your apron, the better – imagine that! They believed this because they thought it meant the surgeon was experienced. It was a trip that we will never forget. Daisy and Darya, Year 5
On Tuesday, we went to the Old Operating Theatre. First of all, we watched a lady demonstrate what a Victorian surgery looked like. It was very gruesome as they did not have anaesthetic so people could die of pain and shock. She also explained the different painkillers and medicines they used, such as opium. After that, we all looked around the museum, which displayed an amazing array of medical specimens and tools, as well as herbs and other components of medicine. Finally, we made pills with different herbs; we used mint, lavender and rose petals to name a few. It was a lovely experience and we would definitely go again. Arianna, Year 6
