Heart of a Lion Hands of a Woman

Portrait of Lord Moynihan

Discover the story of Leeds intestinal surgeon Lord Moynihan: who had 'the centre of a lion and the hands of a lady'.

"The perfect surgeon must accept the middle of a lion and the hands of a lady, non the claws of a panthera leo and the heart of a sheep"

These words were reportedly said past the renowned Leeds abdominal surgeon Berkley George Andrew Moynihan, i^st Baron Moynihan. His success as a surgeon would propose that these things were true of Lord Moynihan and whether his easily were those 'of a lady' tin can be still be judged every bit in the stores of Leeds Museums there is a plaster cast of his hands. These were used a basis of a bronze sculpture (which is still on brandish in the Health Sciences Library at the University of Leeds).

Photo of the cast of the hands of Berkeley George Andrew Moynihan, the First Lord Moynihan. The cast is black and the photo was taken on a white background.

Cast of the hands of Berkeley George Andrew Moynihan, the First Lord Moynihan. Presented by L.R. Braithwaite, 1932.

Lord Moynihan was built-in in Malta in 1865. His mother moved the family to Leeds after the death of his father when he was two years old. He was raised and educated in Leeds and then London, but Moynihan practiced in Leeds for the bulk of his career.

Photo of a book on a white background. The book is dark red with gold details and writing. You can read Abdominal operations, Moynihan on it's side.

Lord Moynihan published extensively in the field of medicine. His kickoff book was on his specialism of abdominal surgery: 'Abdominal Operations' by B.Thou.A. Moynihan, Leeds, publ. W.B. Saunders & Company, Philadelphia & London 1906.

Moynihan had a successful surgery in Park Foursquare – today a bluish plaque marks the identify of his sometime surgery. He besides worked at Leeds General Infirmary and taught anatomy at Leeds Medical School. His reputation was such he could have ready a successful practice in London, where he did treat some patients, but his heart and do remained in Leeds. Nevertheless he had strong links to the capital including undertaking some of his training there and condign not only a boyfriend of the Royal College of Surgeons in England in 1890 but also their president 36 years afterwards.

Bluish Plaque at Lord Moynihan's former surgery, 33 Park Square, Leeds.

His service to his habitation metropolis was rewarded in 1926 when he was awarded the freedom of the city. Every bit part of this he was awarded a freedom casket. This richly decorated casket showed his links to Leeds and reflected his medical career.

Photo of a beautiful object on a white background. Freedom Casket presented to Sir Berkley Moynihan is gold on a dark wood based. There is the coat of arms of the city of Leeds on the front and writing on the wood base.

Freedom Casket presented to Sir Berkley Moynihan in 1926. Showing the coat of arms of the city of Leeds. Maker: Omar Ramsden. Produced: London, England.

On one side of the casket is the coats of arms of the city of Leeds and on the other those of Sir Moynihan (as he was styled at the time of production). The ends of the casket show Lord Moynihan's links to the medical profession with the coat of arms of The Regal College of Surgeons on 1 cease and on the other a representation of the William Hey Memorial Medal which was presented to the most distinguished graduate in medicine at the University of Leeds. This beautiful catafalque is currently on brandish at Lotherton Hall and can be found on the ground flooring in the butler'south condom.

Photo of the same Freedom Casket as above but the photo was taken from a different angle showing the coat of arms of The Royal College of Surgeons.

Item as above. Showing the glaze of artillery of The Royal College of Surgeons on it'southward side.

Lord Moynihan was not only recognised on a local level but also nationally. Among his many honours included being created a baronet in 1922 and seven years subsequently he entered the House of Lords being styled every bit Baron Moynihan of Leeds.

Later on a long and distinguished career Lord Moynihan died in 1936, just 6 days later his wife of over 40 years Isabel with whom he had 3 children. An indication of his fame came before long after when his family were offered a burial in Westminster Abbey although this was declined for family unit reasons.

By Rebecca Fallas, Volunteer Blogger.

This post marks the showtime in a serial celebrating Leeds Full general Infirmary, as they celebrate their 250th anniversary.

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