What would you sacrifice for a chance to chase your dream? Two hundred years ago in Ireland, penniless Margaret Bulkley shed her identity to live a big, bold, loud life as army surgeon James Barry, and took that secret (almost) to the grave. And by keeping his secret, Barry helped — even saved — suffering people across the world.

Hear this incredible story recorded on location at the Old Operating Theater Museum and Herb Garret in London with our guest, Dr. Monica A Walker.

Guest Monica A. Walker has a Ph.D. in the History of Art from Complutense University in Madrid, Spain, and she is a part-time tutor at the Department for Continuing Education at the University of Oxford. In addition, she is the Marketing, Events and Retail Manager at the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret in London. It was here where she developed an interest in the history of medicine and the history of Old St Thomans’ Hospital. It was in the museum where she first heard the name of James Miranda Barry, since he briefly trained at Old St Thomas’ Hospital, and developed a curious interest in him.

Music featured in this episode includes recordings by Doug Maxwell, Aaron Kenny, Kevin Macleod and Cooper Cannell. Find more info and links to our musicians on our website.

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