Recreating Henry V’s Gruesome Arrow Removal Surgery (Video)
Revisiting history, we're drawn to a pivotal moment in Henry V's life. Amidst the chaos of the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury, a fateful arrow struck the young royal. The arrowhead found its mark perilously close to his eye, shattering his cheekbone. In this critical juncture, a skilled healer named John Bradmore emerged. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he devised an ingenious tool—an arrowhead extractor—to delicately remove the lodged arrowhead. With meticulous precision, Bradmore navigated the intricate terrain of the wound, ultimately succeeding in its extraction. The process would have been agonizing for the young Henry.
Bradmore's expertise surpassed mere removal; he introduced a novel approach to healing. Applying a poultice infused with honey, he nurtured the wound's recovery process. This method of care aligned with the medical practices of the time, characterized by careful observation and hands-on intervention. The narrative of Henry V's arrowhead incident and its intricate treatment by John Bradmore serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and dedication exhibited by historical medical practitioners in the face of adversity.
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Top image: King Henry V arrow removal surgery recreation. Source: YouTube Screenshot / thehistorysquad.
