John Stopford, Baron Stopford of Fallowfield
Encyclopedia
John Sebastian Bach Stopford, Baron Stopford of Fallowfield KBE
FRCS FRCP FRS (25 June 1888 – 6 March 1961) was a British peer
, a physician
and anatomist, and a Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester
. Lord Stopford was described as "one of the greatest anatomists of this century".
near Wigan
, UK. The entry in the registry of births for Wigan, page 92 of volume 8c, 1888, records his birth name as John Sebastian B. Stopford. He was educated at Liverpool College and Manchester Grammar School
. He then went to Manchester University in 1906 to read medicine
. He graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and Bachelor of Surgery (ChB) in 1911 with honours.
Infirmary as a House Surgeon, and then to Manchester Royal Infirmary
as an Assistant Medical Officer. In 1912, he returned to Manchester University as a Junior Demonstrator in Anatomy
, working under Prof. Grafton Elliot Smith
. He was later promoted to Senior Demonstrator, and received a lectureship
in 1915. He also received the degree of Doctor of Medicine
(MD) in 1915.
From 1915 to 1918 during the First World War, he served as a neurologist
alongside his lectureship. This was firstly to the Second Western General Hospital and secondly to the Grangethorpe Hospital
. He began researching sensation during this time. Stopford was awarded an MBE
in 1918 for his wartime service.
in 1919 as Prof. Grafton Elliot Smith had moved to University College Hospital
in London
. During his tenure as Professor, he was Dean of the Medical School twice: between 1923 and 1927, and again between 1931 and 1933. He was also Pro Vice-Chancellor at the university between 1928 and 1930.
Stopford was appointed temporary Vice-Chancellor for sixth months in 1934 following the departure of Sir Walter Moberly
. He made such a success of his time in the post that his appointment was made permanent, and he held it for a total of twenty-two years. He continued as Professor of Anatomy alongside his Vice-Chancellorship until 1938, when he was appointed to a personal Chair in Environmental Neurology
. He retired in 1956 and was made an Emeritus Professor.
) in 1927; the first medical graduate
from Manchester University to receive such an accolade. He was also made Honorary Advisory Anatomist at Manchester Royal Infirmary
.
in memory of Lord Stopford. It is on Oxford Road, on the corner of Ackers Street, and occupies a very large site. The former Medical Faculty Library housed within the building is now known as the Stopford Library: it is an outlying library of the John Rylands University Library
.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
FRCS FRCP FRS (25 June 1888 – 6 March 1961) was a British peer
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
, a physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
and anatomist, and a Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
. Lord Stopford was described as "one of the greatest anatomists of this century".
Early life and education
Stopford was born in Hindley GreenHindley Green
Hindley Green is a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan in Greater Manchester, England. The village lies to the east of Hindley and is centred on the A577 Atherton Road to its boundary with Leigh.-History:...
near Wigan
Wigan
Wigan is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It stands on the River Douglas, south-west of Bolton, north of Warrington and west-northwest of Manchester. Wigan is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and is its administrative centre. The town of Wigan had a total...
, UK. The entry in the registry of births for Wigan, page 92 of volume 8c, 1888, records his birth name as John Sebastian B. Stopford. He was educated at Liverpool College and Manchester Grammar School
Manchester Grammar School
The Manchester Grammar School is the largest independent day school for boys in the UK . It is based in Manchester, England...
. He then went to Manchester University in 1906 to read medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
. He graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and Bachelor of Surgery (ChB) in 1911 with honours.
Early career
Having graduated, Stopford went to RochdaleRochdale
Rochdale is a large market town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies amongst the foothills of the Pennines on the River Roch, north-northwest of Oldham, and north-northeast of the city of Manchester. Rochdale is surrounded by several smaller settlements which together form the Metropolitan...
Infirmary as a House Surgeon, and then to Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester Royal Infirmary
The Manchester Royal Infirmary is a hospital in Manchester, England which was founded by Charles White in 1752 as a cottage hospital capable of caring for twelve patients. Manchester Royal Infirmary is part of a larger NHS Trust incorporating several hospitals called Central Manchester University...
as an Assistant Medical Officer. In 1912, he returned to Manchester University as a Junior Demonstrator in Anatomy
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
, working under Prof. Grafton Elliot Smith
Grafton Elliot Smith
Sir Grafton Elliot Smith, FRS FRCP was an Australian anatomist and a proponent of the hyperdiffusionist view of prehistory.-Professional career:Smith was born in Grafton, New South Wales...
. He was later promoted to Senior Demonstrator, and received a lectureship
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
in 1915. He also received the degree of Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
(MD) in 1915.
From 1915 to 1918 during the First World War, he served as a neurologist
Neurologist
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in neurology, and is trained to investigate, or diagnose and treat neurological disorders.Neurology is the medical specialty related to the human nervous system. The nervous system encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. A specialist...
alongside his lectureship. This was firstly to the Second Western General Hospital and secondly to the Grangethorpe Hospital
Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester High School for Girls is an independent daytime school for girls and a member of the Girls School Association. It is situated in Fallowfield, Manchester, United Kingdom...
. He began researching sensation during this time. Stopford was awarded an MBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
in 1918 for his wartime service.
Career progression
At just 31 years of age, Stopford was promoted to be Professor of Anatomy at the University of ManchesterUniversity of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
in 1919 as Prof. Grafton Elliot Smith had moved to University College Hospital
University College Hospital
University College Hospital is a teaching hospital located in London, United Kingdom. It is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is closely associated with University College London ....
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. During his tenure as Professor, he was Dean of the Medical School twice: between 1923 and 1927, and again between 1931 and 1933. He was also Pro Vice-Chancellor at the university between 1928 and 1930.
Stopford was appointed temporary Vice-Chancellor for sixth months in 1934 following the departure of Sir Walter Moberly
Walter Moberly
Walter Moberly may refer to:*Walter Moberly , British-born civil engineer active in Canada*Walter Hamilton Moberly , British academic and author of Crisis in the University...
. He made such a success of his time in the post that his appointment was made permanent, and he held it for a total of twenty-two years. He continued as Professor of Anatomy alongside his Vice-Chancellorship until 1938, when he was appointed to a personal Chair in Environmental Neurology
Neurology
Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,...
. He retired in 1956 and was made an Emeritus Professor.
Personal life
Stopford met Lily Allan while they were both undergraduates at Manchester University. The couple were married in 1916 and they had one son, Thomas Stopford, who died in Rhos on Sea.Other appointments
Stopford held a number of professional appointments during his lifetime, particularly in the field of healthcare within which he had particular experience. A selection of these appointments are below:- Chairman-elect, University Grants Committee - illness caused his resignation before he assumed office
- Member, General Medical CouncilGeneral Medical CouncilThe General Medical Council registers and regulates doctors practising in the United Kingdom. It has the power to revoke or restrict a doctor's registration if it deems them unfit to practise...
- Chairman, Business Committee, GMCGeneral Medical CouncilThe General Medical Council registers and regulates doctors practising in the United Kingdom. It has the power to revoke or restrict a doctor's registration if it deems them unfit to practise...
- Chairman, Universities Bureau of the British Empire
- Vice-Chairman, Trustees of the Nuffield Foundation
- Vice-Chairman, Nuffield Hospital Fund
- Vice-Chairman, Interdepartmental Committee on Medical Schools
- Deputy Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals
- Vice-President & Life Member, Anatomical Society
- Member, Ministry of Health Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards for Consultants
- Member, Council of the Royal College of PhysiciansRoyal College of PhysiciansThe Royal College of Physicians of London was founded in 1518 as the College of Physicians by royal charter of King Henry VIII in 1518 - the first medical institution in England to receive a royal charter...
- Chairman, Manchester Regional Hospital Board
- Chairman, Manchester Royal College of MusicRoyal Northern College of MusicThe Royal Northern College of Music is a music school in Manchester, England. It is located on Oxford Road in Chorlton on Medlock, at the western edge of the campus of the University of Manchester and is one of four conservatories associated with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music...
.
Honours
Stopford was made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRSRoyal Society
The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, known simply as the Royal Society, is a learned society for science, and is possibly the oldest such society in existence. Founded in November 1660, it was granted a Royal Charter by King Charles II as the "Royal Society of London"...
) in 1927; the first medical graduate
Graduation
Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graduates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also...
from Manchester University to receive such an accolade. He was also made Honorary Advisory Anatomist at Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester Royal Infirmary
The Manchester Royal Infirmary is a hospital in Manchester, England which was founded by Charles White in 1752 as a cottage hospital capable of caring for twelve patients. Manchester Royal Infirmary is part of a larger NHS Trust incorporating several hospitals called Central Manchester University...
.
- 1927: Fellowship (FRS) - Royal SocietyRoyal SocietyThe Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, known simply as the Royal Society, is a learned society for science, and is possibly the oldest such society in existence. Founded in November 1660, it was granted a Royal Charter by King Charles II as the "Royal Society of London"...
- 1937: ScDDoctor of ScienceDoctor of Science , usually abbreviated Sc.D., D.Sc., S.D. or Dr.Sc., is an academic research degree awarded in a number of countries throughout the world. In some countries Doctor of Science is the name used for the standard doctorate in the sciences, elsewhere the Sc.D...
- University of DublinUniversity of DublinThe University of Dublin , corporately designated the Chancellor, Doctors and Masters of the University of Dublin , located in Dublin, Ireland, was effectively founded when in 1592 Queen Elizabeth I issued a charter for Trinity College, Dublin, as "the mother of a university" – this date making it... - 1939: ScDDoctor of ScienceDoctor of Science , usually abbreviated Sc.D., D.Sc., S.D. or Dr.Sc., is an academic research degree awarded in a number of countries throughout the world. In some countries Doctor of Science is the name used for the standard doctorate in the sciences, elsewhere the Sc.D...
- University of LeedsUniversity of LeedsThe University of Leeds is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England... - 1941: Knighthood
- 1942: Honorary Fellowship (FRCP) - Royal College of PhysiciansRoyal College of PhysiciansThe Royal College of Physicians of London was founded in 1518 as the College of Physicians by royal charter of King Henry VIII in 1518 - the first medical institution in England to receive a royal charter...
- 1951: ScDDoctor of ScienceDoctor of Science , usually abbreviated Sc.D., D.Sc., S.D. or Dr.Sc., is an academic research degree awarded in a number of countries throughout the world. In some countries Doctor of Science is the name used for the standard doctorate in the sciences, elsewhere the Sc.D...
- University of CambridgeUniversity of CambridgeThe University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally... - 1951; 1957: LLD and MAMaster of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
- University of ManchesterUniversity of ManchesterThe University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group... - 1953: LLD - University of LiverpoolUniversity of LiverpoolThe University of Liverpool is a teaching and research university in the city of Liverpool, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of large research-intensive universities and the N8 Group for research collaboration. Founded in 1881 , it is also one of the six original "red brick" civic...
- 1955: Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBEOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
) - 1955: Honorary Fellowship (FRCS) - Royal College of SurgeonsRoyal College of Surgeons of EnglandThe Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...
- 1956: Freeman of ManchesterManchesterManchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
- 1957: DCLDoctor of Civil LawDoctor of Civil Law is a degree offered by some universities, such as the University of Oxford, instead of the more common Doctor of Laws degrees....
- University of Durham - 1958: Life peerage as Baron Stopford of Fallowfield, of Hindley Green in the County Palatine of Lancaster
Styles
- Mr John Stopford (1888-1911)
- Dr John Stopford MB ChB (1911–1915)
- Dr John Stopford MB ChB MD (1915–1918)
- Dr John Stopford MB ChB MD MBE (1918–1919)
- Professor John Stopford MB ChB MD MBE (1919–1927)
- Professor John Stopford MB ChB MD MBE FRS (1927–1937)
- Professor John Stopford MB ChB MD ScD MBE FRS (1937–1941)
- Professor Sir John Stopford MB ChB MD ScD MBE FRS (1941–1942)
- Professor Sir John Stopford MB ChB MD ScD MBE FRCP FRS (1942–1951)
- Professor Sir John Stopford MB ChB MD ScD LLD MBE FRCP FRS (1951–1955)
- Professor Sir John Stopford MB ChB MD ScD LLD KBE FRCP FRCS FRS (1955–1957)
- Professor Sir John Stopford MB ChB MA MD ScD LLD DCL KBE FRCP FRCS FRS (1957–1958)
- The Rt Hon The Lord Stopford of Fallowfield MB ChB MA MD ScD LLD DCL KBE FRCP FRCS FRS (1958–1961)
The Stopford Building, University of Manchester
The new Medical School (1972) was given the name of the Stopford BuildingStopford Building
The Stopford Building is the second largest building at The University of Manchester, after the Sackville Street Building. It houses the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences , and the Faculty of Life Sciences . It was built in 1969-72...
in memory of Lord Stopford. It is on Oxford Road, on the corner of Ackers Street, and occupies a very large site. The former Medical Faculty Library housed within the building is now known as the Stopford Library: it is an outlying library of the John Rylands University Library
John Rylands University Library
The John Rylands University Library is the University of Manchester's library and information service. It was formed in July 1972 from the merger of the library of the Victoria University of Manchester with the John Rylands Library...
.