Pioneering GP who made Yorkshire Dales village a 'medical Mecca'

Dr William Pickles was a leading epidemiologist who spent more than 50 years as the GP in Aysgarth, Wensleydale - but also studied the science behind incubation periods of infectious diseases.

He is the fourth nominee from the public in North Yorkshire County Council’s Great North Yorkshire Sons and Daughters campaign, which draws on County Record Office archives and the work of local history groups to celebrate people who made the county what it is today.

Before his work in the Dales, Dr Pickles served as a surgeon in the Navy during the First World War. He helped to set up a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) scheme in Aysgarth, recruiting 20 VAD nurses to support the war effort - including Gertrude Adelaide Tunstill, who later became his wife.

For more than a quarter of a century, he carefully recorded observations on infectious disease in the Dales and is now seen as one of the greatest general practitioners of all time. He studied every epidemic that occurred there in more than 20 years, including measles, influenza and jaundice, and in 1939 wrote a book called Epidemiology in Country Practice.

Aysgarth in the 1950s became known as a “medical Mecca” as medics wanted to learn from the expert and the village that inspired his discoveries.

Penny Ellis, who lives in the Dales, said: “He was my grandmother’s GP and later, after she married, he was also my grandparents’, my father’s and my uncles’ GP. He was always spoken of very fondly and held in high regard by all those I know who have spoken of him.”

The Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Coun Carl Les, said: “It is very important that we recognise people such as Dr Pickles. The work he did is so relevant as a precursor to the work being done by scientists around the globe today to combat Covid-19. It shows that people with determination can and will achieve great things, even from the smallest of villages.

“Great North Yorkshire Sons and Daughters will continue to highlight those who have made this county what it is today, our heritage and history will always be something we are proud to showcase. We would welcome further nominations of people who made a difference, so if you know someone who deserves to be celebrated, please contact us.”

Nominations can be sent to [email protected]