John Bradmore

John Bradmore

Name	John Bradmore
Birth name
Birth date	c. 1360
Birth place
Death date	1412
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Surgeon
Years active
Organization
Known for	Treating Prince Henry (later King Henry V)
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

John Bradmore (c. 1360 – 1412) was a notable English surgeon during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. He is best known for his innovative treatment of Prince Henry, who later became King Henry V, after the prince was wounded by an arrow at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.

Early Life and Career

Little is known about John Bradmore's early life, but he was active during a time when surgery was beginning to emerge as a distinct profession in England. Bradmore was likely trained in the traditional methods of the time, which combined practical experience with the study of classical texts.

The Battle of Shrewsbury and the Arrow Extraction

In 1403, during the Battle of Shrewsbury, Prince Henry was struck in the face by an arrow. The arrowhead lodged deep in his skull, posing a significant risk of infection and death. Bradmore was called upon to treat the prince, and he devised a special tool to extract the arrowhead safely.

Bradmore's tool, often referred to as the "Bradmore Screw," was a type of forceps with a screw mechanism that allowed him to grip and carefully remove the arrowhead without causing further damage. This procedure was documented in his surgical treatise, Philomena, which provides a detailed account of the operation and the subsequent care that ensured the prince's recovery.

Contributions to Medicine

Bradmore's work on Prince Henry is one of the earliest recorded instances of successful cranial surgery in medieval Europe. His innovative approach to the extraction of the arrowhead demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of anatomy and surgical technique for his time.

In addition to his surgical achievements, Bradmore's treatise, Philomena, serves as an important historical document, offering insights into the medical practices and challenges of the medieval period. It includes descriptions of various surgical instruments and procedures, reflecting the evolving nature of medical knowledge during the late Middle Ages.

Legacy

John Bradmore's successful treatment of Prince Henry not only saved the future king's life but also cemented Bradmore's reputation as a skilled and innovative surgeon. His contributions to the field of surgery are recognized as significant advancements in the history of medicine.

Also see

• Henry V of England
• Battle of Shrewsbury
• Medieval medicine
• History of surgery