These photographs are a look back at the history of healthcare in Kidderminster, inspired by the exhibition “A Century of Surgeons: The Stretton Family” which was held at the Museum of Carpet in 2015. The exhibition focused on three generations of doctors caring for the people of Kidderminster over one hundred years.

Between 1856 and 1952 there was always a Doctor Stretton at work in Kidderminster. Samuel, Lionel and John worked through a period of social and medical advancement, committed to the improvement of health services and living standards. The changes they pursued were not always welcomed and sometimes caused anger and conflict. Yet they remained true to their calling, experimenting with new ideas, techniques and inventions.

Historian Michael Loftus will be delivering a talk at the Museum of Carpet on Wednesday 15th February titled “This town stinks from one end to the other!” which traces the evolution of healthcare in Kidderminster more broadly, dating back to the nineteenth century. Visit museumofcarpet.org.uk to find out about other talks in the series or to book your talk tickets.