Under doctor’s orders

EARLY AND MODERN MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE HISTORY OF HODNET DOCTORS
by Gerald Mothershaw (£6.99)

Gerald Mothershaw came away from a visit to his local doctor’s surgery with something he was not expecting - the idea for his latest book.

“I was in there one afternoon and telling Dr James Mehta that I was completing a history of Hodnet. He said ‘How about writing a history of Hodnet doctors.’ Nobody had done a history of Hodnet doctors, and he thought it was a good idea for me to do it,” said Mr Mothershaw.

That was about two years ago, and the resulting book went on sale last month, raising cash for the Hope House Children’s Hospice - nearly £500 so far.

“This is my sixth book, and all my books have raised money for charity. I have given over £11,000,” said Mr Mothershaw.

“The interesting thing about the Hodnet doctors is that their history does not go back that far. It goes back to about 1840 to 1841. Before 1841-1850 doctors weren’t scientifically medically trained, so you had barbers, shopkeepers, herbalists and crank doctors.”

Among Hodnet’s eminent doctors was Dr John Lyon, a Scot who arrived in the village in 1875, who served Hodnet for 30 years. He was commemorated with the Lyon Memorial Hall, which opened in 1914.

Mr Mothershaw brought the book bang up to date by including information about the current Hodnet doctors.

“I gave them a questionnaire each which they filled in.”

The book is on sale at Candle Lane Books, Princess Street, Shrewsbury; Hodnet Stores; Bennett’s grocery shop in Hodnet; Hodnet medical centre; Lloyds Interiors at Market Drayton; Hart to Hart, Market Drayton; or direct from Mr Mothershaw at (01630) 685419.