Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Made in England around 1500 CE, this birthing scroll is adorned with Christian symbols, many relating to the crucifixion. The large nails draw direct parallels between the pain experienced by Jesus on his death, and the pain and danger tied to childbirth in the medieval period.
Only a handful of medieval birth scrolls survive today and those that exist are immensely fragile. This video is a rare opportunity to get close to one such scroll (MS.632) with the help of experts, Dr Kierri Price and Dr Elma Brenner.
This 500-year-old parchment scroll can be visited in-person, at Wellcome Collection, until 19 April 2026.
Made in England around 1500 CE, this birthing scroll is adorned with Christian symbols, many relating to the crucifixion. The large nails draw direct parallels between the pain experienced by Jesus on his death, and the pain and danger tied to childbirth in the medieval period.
Only a handful of medieval birth scrolls survive today and those that exist are immensely fragile. This video is a rare opportunity to get close to one such scroll (MS.632) with the help of experts, Dr Kierri Price and Dr Elma Brenner.
This 500-year-old parchment scroll can be visited in-person, at Wellcome Collection, until 19 April 2026.
