Dec. 8, 2023

Ep.19 - Head To Toe - Womb

Ep.19 - Head To Toe - Womb

Join us as we explore the history of medicine, from head to toe! This time: the womb.

Do wombs have horns? Will the presence of a menstruating woman force bees to forsake their hives? Will your crops wither and die in the presence of menstrual blood?

We’ll answer these pressing questions and more in this episode of our podcast.

We’re also exploring how pregnant convicted criminals could ‘plead the belly’ to avoid execution, the murky world of Medieval monstrous births and how a womb could wander.

And we finish up with some adorable womb toads – perhaps the most endearing of votive offerings.


Credits

Researcher and presenter: Laura Burgess has been a volunteer with RCPE Heritage since 2021 after completing her MA in History from UNC Charlotte.

Editor and producer: Sarah E Hayward completed her PhD in Museums and Heritage Studies at Kingston University London in 2023. She has been a volunteer with RCPE Heritage since 2021. She has a passion for archival research and she loves to explore creative ways to assemble and share the hidden stories she uncovers.

Researcher and presenter: Olivia Howarth is a volunteer with RCPE Heritage, a recently qualified archivist, heritage enthusiast and self-proclaimed lifetime nerd with an interest in medical history

Historical clip: Prof Helen King


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