‘An end to good manners’: The RCP and the English Civil War

‘An end to good manners’: The Royal College of Physicians and the English Civil War explores one of England’s most tumultuous periods as seen through the eyes of the medical profession. One physician, John Bastwick, had his ears cut off as punishment for anti-papist writings. The ambitious RCP fellow George Bate, however, was not only physician to Charles I but following the monarch’s execution he attended Oliver Cromwell. At the restoration of Charles II Bate’s allegiances switched again as he became royal physician once more.

The RCP’s connection to the English Civil War continued centuries after the battles had been fought. When Charles I’s remains were discovered in 1813, Henry Halford, later president of the RCP, was present when the coffin was examined. He reputedly took a section of vertebrae showing the mark of the axe, and kept it as a conversation piece for dinner guests.

Following the restoration of the monarchy, the College enthusiastically welcomed the new king, as recorded in the RCP’s Annals:

When for about 20 years now (when dissolution and idleness had put an end to good manners), some seditious ‘tribunes’ of the people and ill-conditioned scoundrels… had defiled all things… the Phoenix… rose at last…

Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to see printed books, handwritten letters, prints and a specially minted gold touch-piece that was believed to cure scrofula, more commonly known as ‘King’s Evil’.

The exhibition runs until 15 March 2012. Entry is free of charge. The RCP’s Grade I listed building, permanent collections and current exhibitions are open to the public Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Visitor information

Royal College of Physicians

11 St Andrews Place, Regent’s Park, NW1 4LE

26 September 2011–15 March 2012

Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

Free entry