James Phipps was the eight year old son of Jenner’s gardener, Christopher Phipps: James became the first official recipient of cow pox vaccine in 1796, using lymph material from the hand of local girl, Sarah Nelmes. Though even Jenner himself described this as the first occasion, we know from minutes submitted by Jenner to his Medico-Convivial Society that the first ‘vaccination’ was in fact seven years earlier; when he sought to protect his own 10 month old son (also named Edward) after the family Nurse became infected with Cow Pox. Jenner’s interest in inoculation and the potential of Cow Pox to protect against Smallpox was a subject of interest for Jenner from as early as 1778. From 1789 until 1796, Jenner made a number of ‘vaccinations’ keeping records of his efforts and later testing the recipients by inoculating them for Smallpox​: with no reactions. This gave Jenner the confidence to begin a formal trial with James Phipps, likely due to an imminent threat of Smallpox spreading locally.

In later years, in recognition of Phipps's part in the introduction of Vaccination, Jenner granted the leasehold of the property now named Phipps Cottage to James and his family.
 
James Phipps was buried in St Mary’s churchyard, a stone’s throw from the cottage on 25 April 1853, aged 66. 

​Prior to the opening of Dr Jenner's House Museum and Garden, Phipps's Cottage housed a small museum dedicated to sharing Jenner's life and achievements.
 
Go back up Church Lane and turn right, returning to the Churchyard.  Pass the Belltower and turn left along the boundary wall continuing along the path to the wrought iron gate which is the private entrance to Dr Jenner's House, Museum and Garden. 
You can click the QR code on the Plaque or click here for information on Location 10.