Follow the brown signs

We are a nationally important scientific landmark. In 1796, Dr Edward Jenner (1749-1823) pioneered vaccination from his 18th century home, The Chantry, now open to the public. Vaccination has saved millions of lives and is arguably one of the greatest medical achievements of all time. Jenner was also a pioneer balloonist; discovered the first ever plesiosaur; studied hibernation & migration; and proved that cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds nests (and became a Fellow of the Royal Society as a result). His statue was erected in Trafalgar Square in the 19th century but later moved to Kensington Gardens where it still stands (he wasn’t a general on a horse, he was merely a humble doctor). He was Surgeon Extraordinaire to King George IV but never receieved a knighthood. He is buried in the church next door to the museum. His work to eradicate the deadly smallpox has led to saving more lives than anyone else in history.

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