Medicine at War: Special Battle of the Somme Centenary Tour

A walk to mark the commemorations of many of Britain’s most notable conflicts, examining the ever-changing role of medics at the front line. 

Throughout the history of human conflict, medical practitioners have found themselves in the midst of carnage.

From bone-setters on Renaissance battlefields, to ships’ surgeons at sea, the birth of modern nursing in the Crimea to the cutting edge critical care of the world’s first global conflict. 

Military medicine has always been in the avant-garde of developments to medical science and practice.

With The Great War, and the anniversaries of the Battles of Verdun and the Somme in the forefront of many people’s minds this walk through London’s medical quarter examines the ever-changing role of those with a vocation to heal through ‘the seven ages of military medicine’ from the Ancient World to The Western Front and beyond.

The walk will conclude in Cavendish Square, with a visit to the Royal College of Nursing Library & Heritage Centre. 

This walk commences at The Royal College of Physicians  and lasts around 2½ hours including a highlights tour of the Royal College, its museum and collections*. 

Free online booking for our scheduled events is highly recommended using Eventbrite. A small number of turn-up tickets are available on the day, but cannot be guaranteed. 

“Medicine at War” is also available as a private tour at any time by prior arrangement, subject to a minimum charge.

For further details or to make a group booking for a private tour please contact us at  discovermedicallondon@gmail.com 

* On occasion access to the Royal College of Physicians may be limited due to  events or works being carried out.

Click here for a map and directions to the Royal College of Physicians.