Pack your powdered wigs and prepare for a dose of medical history, time travellers, because we’re heading to London, on January 31, 1747, to witness the opening of the London Dock Hospital, the first clinic dedicated to the treatment of “general disease”—a polite 18th-century term for what we’d now recognise as venereal diseases.
This groundbreaking clinic marked an important step in public health, bringing medical care to seafarers and dockworkers while challenging social stigmas around illness. For time travellers, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of medicine, morality, and maritime life in Georgian London.
Why Visit London in January 1747?
London in 1747 is a city of contrasts: bustling docks filled with the spoils of empire, glittering Georgian townhouses, and the murky underbelly of taverns, brothels, and sailors fresh off the boat. Against this backdrop of wealth and vice, the London Dock Hospital opened its doors to treat diseases that were often whispered about but seldom addressed openly.
This is a chance to explore the gritty reality of 18th-century urban life while witnessing the early efforts to combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections—a step forward in both medicine and compassion.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the London Docks
Begin your adventure at the London Docks, a chaotic hive of activity where sailors, traders, and labourers unload goods from across the empire. Wander through the narrow streets of Wapping, soaking in the sights and smells of this maritime district.
Stop at a local tavern for a pint of ale or porter, but keep an eye on your pockets—this is a rough-and-tumble part of town where pickpockets and press gangs lurk.
Day 2: Visit the London Dock Hospital
Head to the newly opened London Dock Hospital, a pioneering facility offering treatment for venereal diseases. Established to serve the dockworkers and sailors who frequented the area’s brothels, the hospital’s work was both medically necessary and socially controversial.
Meet the doctors (likely in powdered wigs) who use mercury ointments and herbal remedies to treat their patients. While the methods may seem primitive to modern eyes, this is cutting-edge medicine for 1747. The hospital also provides moral guidance, reflecting the era’s belief in tying physical health to moral behaviour.
Evening: Reflect on Public Health
After your hospital visit, take a walk along the Thames to reflect on the challenges of health and hygiene in Georgian London. The river is both a lifeline for the city and a source of disease, its waters polluted with human and industrial waste.
The London Dock Hospital: Why It Matters
The opening of the London Dock Hospital was a significant moment in medical history. At a time when diseases like syphilis were rampant and poorly understood, the clinic provided a space where treatment was accessible to some of society’s most vulnerable members. It also marked an early attempt to address public health at a systemic level, a precursor to the NHS we know today.
The hospital’s focus on treating sexually transmitted infections was revolutionary, breaking taboos and paving the way for greater understanding of these diseases. It was one of the first institutions to combine medical care with social reform, setting a precedent for future public health initiatives.
Travel Tips for 1747 London
- Dress the Part: Georgian London is a city of style—opt for a waistcoat and tricorne hat for gentlemen, or a modest gown for ladies.
- Stay Alert: The docks are lively but can be dangerous. Keep your wits about you and avoid dark alleyways.
- Mind Your Manners: 18th-century Londoners value propriety, so be polite and avoid discussing your medical visit too loudly.
What’s on the Menu?
After exploring the docks and hospital, indulge in some Georgian fare:
- Stewed Oysters: A popular dish among Londoners, especially near the river.
- Meat Pie: Hearty and filling, perfect for a chilly January day.
- Gin Punch: While gin is often associated with vice, a properly made punch is a Georgian favourite.
Fun Facts About Georgian Medicine
- Did you know? Mercury, while toxic, was a common treatment for syphilis in the 18th century, often applied as a salve or ingested.
- Odd but true: Early medical pamphlets from the London Dock Hospital warned patients about the dangers of promiscuity while promoting treatments.
- Legacy: The London Dock Hospital’s emphasis on treating vulnerable populations influenced later public health efforts, including the establishment of dispensaries and free clinics.
Want to Know More?
Books
- The Enlightened Doctor: Medicine in Georgian Britain by Roy Porter.
- Venereal Disease and Society in Early Modern England by Kevin Siena.
Articles
- “The Rise of Public Health in 18th-Century London” in History Extra.
- “Mercury and Medicine: A Georgian Remedy” by the Royal College of Physicians.
Web Resources
- Museum of London: www.museumoflondon.org.uk
- British Library Georgian Archives: www.bl.uk
The Final Word
The opening of the London Dock Hospital on January 31, 1747, was a bold step in addressing public health issues in a rapidly expanding city. Visiting this pivotal moment offers a chance to reflect on the challenges of disease, morality, and social reform in Georgian London.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling docks, observing early medical practices, or enjoying a gin punch by the Thames, this city break promises a fascinating journey into the heart of 18th-century innovation.
Have you ventured into history to witness groundbreaking moments or pondered the origins of modern medicine? Share your tales—we’ll toast your adventures with a steaming bowl of stewed oysters and a resounding “To your health!”
