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All the United Kingdom England Great Dunmow Doctors Pond

Doctors Pond

This Great Dunmow pond was a breeding ground for medical leeches, as well as the testing ground for the world's first lifeboat.

Great Dunmow, England

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Located in the town of Great Dunmow is Doctor’s Pond, named due to the widespread belief that it was a breeding ground for leeches, a creature highly sought after by doctors. Leeches have been highly valued in medicine for millennia, most of all for their use in bloodletting.

Brick House, also known as Doctor’s House, stands beside the Pond, and it is believed that the doctors practicing here made the most of their proximity to the pond to source a steady supply of the significant bloodsuckers.

In addition to its connection to the town's medical community, Doctor’s Pond has also played a significant role in maritime history. Lionel Lukin, an inventor from Great Dunmow, is credited with creating the world's first "lifeboat," a self-righting and ever-buoyant vessel that “will neither overset in violent gales or sudden bursts of wind, nor sink if by any accident filled with water."

Doctor’s Pond served Lukin as the testing ground for his lifeboat models, which, though unrecognized in his time, went on to revolutionize water rescue operations.

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Medicine Boats Leeches Pond

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August 24, 2023

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Doctors Pond
15A North St
Great Dunmow, England, CM6 1AZ
United Kingdom
51.874416, 0.36236
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Nearby Places

Talliston House & Gardens

Great Dunmow, England

miles away

The Tomb of Maid Marian

Little Dunmow, England

miles away

The Felsted Hag

Felsted, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow

England

Places 2

Nearby Places

Talliston House & Gardens

Great Dunmow, England

miles away

The Tomb of Maid Marian

Little Dunmow, England

miles away

The Felsted Hag

Felsted, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow

England

Places 2

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