Uncovering the Fascinating Role of Plague Doctors
Bubonic Plague

Uncovering the Fascinating Role of Plague Doctors

In 16th and 17th century Europe, a figure encased in strange garments emerged from the shadows of plague-ridden cities. Clad in an unnerving bird-like beak mask and gloves, these mysterious men were known as Plague Doctors. Their backgrounds varied; some candidates had genuinely trained as doctors, but others, like one ex-fruit seller, were a little more unusual. Their job took them to the epicentre of plague outbreaks during one of Europe's darkest periods in history.