Edward Jenner performed the first ever vaccination at his home in Berkeley, Gloucestershire in 1796. This is now the Jenner Museum, education and conference centre run by the Jenner Trust, an independent charity. The Trust is undertaking a major restoration programme and preparing to host the 50-year celebration of the eradication of smallpox on 8 May 2030. The Jenner Trust has worked closely with the BSI for many years. This article aims to keep members in touch with the re-Jenner-ation.
A little history
We all know the story of a country doctor, blossom the cow, the milkmaid and little Jimmy, the gardener’s son which happened here in 1796 at Dr Jenner’s home in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Vaccination was born and Edward Jenner is credited with saving more lives than any other person.
Smallpox was a vicious disease, rampant in the 1700s as the most common cause of death in children, killing around 15% of them. If you caught it, you had a 30–40% chance of dying. If you survived, it was the commonest cause of blindness. The facial scarring was so horrific that one treatment was to remove the mirrors from the house to prevent suicides from the trauma of the permanent disfigurement.
Smallpox was indiscriminate, it killed young and old, rich and poor.
Edward Jenner’s vaccination (‘inoculation with the cow pox’) was an improvement on the common practice of variolation (‘inoculation with the small pox’). For variolation a small amount of pock fluid was taken from a mild case of smallpox and scratched into the skin of the healthy child. This practice arrived from the Middle East in the early 1700s, but it was dangerous, carrying a death rate of about 1 in 50 recipients, it also spread smallpox. The recipient had to be isolated for 14 days; it was only available to the rich and the physicians who offered it kept a handsome profit.
‘Inoculation with the Cowpox’ was an advance as it was completely safe in the hands of a competent vaccinator using the same technique as variolation. It did not spread smallpox, therefore did not require isolation afterwards. It was an instant success and spread across the globe within six years of his publication in 1798.
The enduring values of vaccination
Edward Jenner had spent 25 years as a country doctor developing his theory around cowpox before he inoculated James Phipps. Through scientific rigour, he knew that there was a chance that smallpox could be eradicated by vaccination, but only if it were available for the poor.
He published his findings at his own expense, freely vaccinated the poor and provided cowpox fluid across the world with no charge.
Edward Jenner performed his free vaccinations in his ‘Temple of Vaccinia’ the small, thatched hermit’s hut at the end of his garden. This humble building is the world’s first ever vaccination clinic and has just been restored by the Jenner Trust with a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For smallpox to be eradicated there had to be no political or geographical boundaries. This universality of public health was also recognised by Edward Jenner. Through a colleague he sent cowpox to vaccinate the French troops, our enemy at the time. Napolean held a dinner in his honour as smallpox killed more soldiers than war.
Scientific rigour, philanthropy and international cooperation underpinned Edward Jenner’s work and are the enduring values of vaccination.
Smallpox was finally eradicated in 1980 through a World Health Organization (WHO) collaboration of Russians and Americans at the height of the Cold War.
About the Jenner Trust and its relationship with the BSI
The Jenner Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation (registered charity number 1158316) responsible for the Jenner Museum, conference and education centre. It is a community asset for the local population and occupies a one-acre site containing two Grade II* listed structures (The Chantry and Temple of Vaccinia) as well as the Cyder House offices, conference centre, vine house and beautiful garden.
The Museum has been open for 40 years and welcomes over 4,000 visitors each year. It explores Dr Jenner’s family, life and home, the history of smallpox, discovery of vaccination and its evolution including the social aspects of law and antivaccination, through to the WHO global eradication campaign.
The education programme has been co-designed with the Pandemic Science Institute in Oxford. Workshops include ‘find a cure’, ‘create a vaccine’ and ‘the great debate’. These have recently received the Frances Garnham national award as the most innovative education programme in a Historic House.
The BSI has always supported the Jenner Trust. This is recognised in the 2014 constitution which provides for a BSI member to be a Trustee, a position which is currently vacant.
The future and global relevance of Dr Jenner’s House
The Covid pandemic brought vaccination back into our lives, but it has generated a new wave of vaccines hesitancy, partly in reaction to ‘big pharma’, resulting in the resurgence of childhood illnesses such as measles. The global distribution of Covid vaccines was hindered by political barriers, and we are seeing political resistance to global institutions such as the WHO.
Vaccination is as relevant today as it has ever been. As the birthplace of vaccination, Dr Jenner’s House provides an anchor point and place of reflection for public health, philanthropy and universality.
On 8 May 2030 it will be 50 years since the WHO declared that smallpox had been eradicated from the world. The Jenner Trust is in a supportive discussion with the WHO to hold the global celebration at Dr Jenner’s house.
The Trust has therefore been through a substantial transformation over the past two years with a new, small but focused team determined to ‘re-Jenner-ate’ the site and story for the 2030 celebration.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided an initial grant to restore the Temple of Vaccinia and prepare the Trust to bid for a more substantial grant, c £3–4 million, for the full restoration. The Trust will have to raise at least 20% in matched funding.
How you can support the Re-Jenner-ation of Edward Jenner’s House
As a living museum of immunology, the Jenner Museum now invites the scientific community to help shape its future. Readers can contribute their views to ongoing development plans, support conservation and education work through donations, or engage more deeply by becoming members or patrons. Details are on the website (www.jennermuseum.com).
At a time when vaccine confidence and global health collaboration remain critical, this is a timely opportunity to reconnect with the origins of immunology and to help define how its story is told for generations to come.
If you would like to consider joining the Jenner Trust as the BSI Trustee please email info@edwardjenner.co.uk. You would join and enthusiastic and capable group of nine Trustees from a range of heritage, medical, scientific and educational backgrounds.
Come and visit; you will receive a warm welcome, appreciate the tranquillity of the site and reflect upon your own relationship with vaccination.
Dr Jonathan Steel MBChB FRCGP FRCP
Chairman
The Jenner Trust
Contact and further information
01453 810631
info@edwardjenner.co.uk