Professor Gareth Williams from the University of Bristol will be giving a talk tonight [22 July] on the subject of his recent book, the Angel of Death, the name given to smallpox — the deadly disease that killed millions of people throughout history.

The talk, entitled ‘The House on the 13th Milestone: who really discovered vaccination?’, will take place on Thursday 22 July at the Old Cyder House in Berkeley.

While the account of Edward Jenner and his development of a vaccine against smallpox in 1796 is well known, Professor Williams will take the audience further into history with new and expanded information covering Edward Jenner’s experiments involving his gardener’s son with cowpox right up to 1980 when the World Health Organisation officially announced the eradication of the deadly disease.

Sarah Parker, Director of the Edward Jenner Museum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gareth both as a Trustee and an energetic supporter of the Museum. He has told a compelling story in his book and we look forward to an entertaining and informative evening.“

The talk is one of a series on medical subjects this year, linked to the Museum’s celebrations of the eradication of Smallpox, which has resulted in much coverage both in the UK and internationally, the small Gloucestershire town of Berkeley has been the global focus of honouring Edward Jenner’s work.

The Old Cyder House talks take place throughout the year covering a variety of subjects from a wide range of speakers. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the Museum, tel 01453 810631 or email info@edwardjenner.co.uk. The talk will start at 7.30pm and cost £10 per person, including a glass of wine or juice. 

More details can be found on the museum website, www.jennermuseum.com.