John Lionel Stretton was born in 1860. As a surgeon in Kiddermnster he carried out over 40,000 operations and pioneered the use of Tincture of Iodine for sterilising the skin. This changed medical practices for the better, a development as important as Joseph Lister’s work. Learn more about Lionel, his father and son who, between them, managed local health services for nearly 100 years.

Check out two fascinating talks on the stunning stained glass windows installed at St John the Baptist Church in Kidderminster to honour the Stretton family. These videos, presented by family historian Chris Stretton, explore the stories of Lionel, his father Samuel and his son John – and bring their legacy to life in a way you won’t get from reading alone. Choose the Narrated version if you want the full illustrated commentary, or watch the Actual talk for the original event coverage. Both are available via the button below.