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- Britain - Nations & Empire
- Smallpox Through Time
- c.1045BC |Face of a Pharaoh
- c.1562 |Arsenic and Old Lace
- c.1617 |Smallpox in America
- c.1711 |Child Pox
- c.1721 |Experiment in Newgate
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- c.1896 |Epidemic on Camera
- c.1967 |Global Action
- c.2010 |Smallpox Today
- The American West
- Britain - Changing Lives
- This Module
- In 1616, the Native American princess Pocahontas came to Shakespeare's London - and died there, of smallpox. Her story reflects a greater tragedy impacting the indiginous population of the Americas. Lacking immunity to European diseases, they were devastated by disease in the decades that followed 'first contact'.
- Credits
Smallpox Through Time
- 3.Smallpox in America
-
1609-1620
The story of Pocahontas, and of the devastating consequences of smallpox amongst the indigenous people of America. (3.5 mins)
Secondary Resources
- 1. Smallpox arrives in Europe
We don't know exactly when smallpox reached Europe, but... Read more
- 2. Survival and Immunity
Smallpox killed about 30% of those it infected... Read more
- 3. Smallpox crosses the Atlantic
From the late 15th century onwards,... Read more
- 4. Smallpox in North America
In North America, too, European viruses wiped out... Read more
- 5. Famous victims
Many famous people in history suffered from Smallpox... Read more
Picture Viewer
Location details
We shot the Pocahontas riverboat sequences on the Thames on a grim February day. I seem to have done so many Thames riverboat sequences over the years - see 'The Peasants' Revolt' for another example - but London has never looked so drab as on this occasion!
The statue to Pocahontas in the churchyard of St George's Gravesend is worth a look. It's curiously moving to see her statue here. So incongruous. A short walk away is a view across the river to Tilbury Docks, where we shot theSS Empire Windrush) sequences in Timelines: Empire.
Our Sponsor: The Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is a global charity dedicated to achieving improvements in human and animal health.
Timelines: "Smallpox through Time" was entirely funded with through a Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Award. We are very grateful for the Trust's support in the making of this resource.
