Visit the old operating theatre and you will see one of London’s most bizarre secrets : the only surviving 19th century surgical theatre (in use from 1821 to 1862), complete with wooden operating table, blood box and tiered stands where spectators watched surgery being performed without anaesthetic.

Two of London’s major hospitals, St Thomas’ and Guy’s, originated in St Thomas Street.

St Thomas’ Hospital was founded here in the thirteenth century, before being moved to its present location opposite the Houses of Parliament at Westminster in 1865 to make room for the railway station at London Bridge.

Nothing remains of the old hospital except a Georgian doorway (opposite Keats House and between two small courtyards fronting onto the road) and the old operating theatre, at 9a St Thomas Street.

You can visit the Old Operating Theatre in the cultural walk.

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