This Day in the Yesteryear: RENOWNED SURGEON JAMES BARRY DIES, REVEALING LIFELONG SECRET (1865)

Renowned Surgeon James Barry Dies, Revealing Lifelong Secret (1865)

During the 19th century, Barry was a top British military surgeon who worked to improve conditions during the Crimean War. Known for a fiery temper, Barry famously argued with Florence Nightingale and fought in at least one duel. After Barry’s death, a maid claimed that in the course of preparing the corpse for burial she had learned that Barry was actually a woman, but the British Army sealed all records on Barry for 100 years. What was revealed when the records were accessed in the 1950s? More… Discuss