Newcastle University unveils blue plaque to Francis Bainbridge

Francis Arthur Bainbridge, born in Stockton in 1874, is best known for the work he conducted whilst in Newcastle showing how heart rate is controlled.

In 1911 he became a professor of physiology at Durham University and in 1915 he attained the chair of physiology at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where he remained for the rest of his life

In 1915, he reported that an increased volume of blood returning to the heart caused chamber distension and a resultant increase in heart rate. This phenomenon has become known as the 'Bainbridge reflex'.

As well as his pioneering work in exercise physiology, Bainbridge - who was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in May 1919 - uncovered the mechanism of lymph formation (a fluid that flows through the body’s immune system) and made important contributions to the functional mechanisms of the gall bladder.

He also provided new insight into the different strains of salmonella bacteria that can cause typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever.

To honour the outstanding cardiac and exercise physiologist, The Physiological Society has dedicated a commemorative blue plaque to him, displayed at the Medical School at Newcastle University.

The plague to Francis Arthur Bainbridge, best known for explaining what is now called the 'Bainbridge reflex,' at Newcastle University (Image: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY)

Professor David Burn of Newcastle University, who unveiled the plaque, said: “It is an honour to unveil this plaque dedicated to Francis Arthur Bainbridge, who made important contributions to cardiac physiology and beyond whilst at Newcastle.

"He is most famously known for the ‘Bainbridge reflex’, which remains a fundamental principle in cardiac physiology today.”

Professor David Attwell holds a picture of plaque recipient, Francis Arthur Bainbridge (Image: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY)

Following the plaque unveiling, Professor David Attwell, President of the Physiological Society, said: “We are honoured to be at Newcastle University to unveil this plaque to remember Francis Arthur Bainbridge, and his remarkable contribution to exercise physiology, as well as his interest in understanding the secrets of our body’s organs and systems.

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“The Physiological Society’s blue plaque scheme raises the visibility of physiology. It gives the wider public an insight into the positive role that ‘the science of life’ plays in their everyday lives.

“We hope these plaques will spark curiosity and help inspire new generations to get involved in the physiological sciences.”
The event included talks from academics from Newcastle University and University of Manchester.

By celebrating Francis Arthur Bainbridge, The Physiological Society reiterates its dedication to acknowledging key figures in the discipline, acting as a reminder of our scientific roots and that physiology continues to change the world.

From left, Professor David Attwell, Dariel Burdass, Professor Chris Day, Professor David Burn (Image: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY)From left, Professor David Attwell, Dariel Burdass, Professor Chris Day, Professor David Burn

From left, Professor David Attwell, Professor Michael Taggart, Professor David Burn, Dariel Burdass (Image: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY)From left, Professor David Attwell, Professor Michael Taggart, Professor David Burn, Dariel Burdass

From left, Professor David Attwell and Freya Vimpany (Image: THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY)From left, Professor David Attwell and Freya Vimpany