The Surgeon of Gaster Fell

The Surgeon of Gaster Fell is an atmospheric short story by Arthur Conan Doyle that combines adventure with Gothic undertones. Set in 1880s Britain, it follows Dr. James Upperton, a young physician who takes up an appointment in a remote village on the wild Gaster Fell (a fictional moorland, likely in Yorkshire or the Scottish borders). Upperton soon hears whispers about a mysterious surgeon living in seclusion on the moor – a man with a dark reputation among the locals. After a chance encounter, Upperton befriends this Surgeon, whose name is Hardcastle: an older, brooding doctor haunted by something in his past. As Upperton spends time at Hardcastle's lonely cottage, he notes the man's advanced medical knowledge and oddly empathetic treatment of the poor; yet Hardcastle is plagued by nightmares and a peculiar terror of certain dates. The story builds suspensefully toward the revelation of Hardcastle's secret. Years ago, as an army surgeon in India, Hardcastle made a grave mistake (or an unethical choice under pressure) that led to a patient's death – and possibly was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Exiled in disgrace, he's been waiting for vindication or the return of someone from that incident. On a stormy night on Gaster Fell, that reckoning arrives: figures appear at the Surgeon's door – perhaps colleagues from India or the son of the dead patient – leading to a dramatic confrontation. Upperton witnesses the truth come out: Hardcastle is exonerated (the blame belonged elsewhere) or at least finds absolution when those from his past forgive him. The climax might involve Hardcastle saving the life of the very person who once wronged him, proving his skill and character. By dawn, the burden lifts – but tragically, the strain is too much and Hardcastle dies of a heart attack (or is found peacefully expired in his chair). The story ends with Dr. Upperton penning these events, reflecting on fate and redemption on the desolate moor. The Surgeon of Gaster Fell showcases Doyle's gift for mood and character: a "deeply personal work" with elements of Gothic wish-fulfillment and Imperial guilt, ultimately delivering a poignant tale of a doctor seeking forgiveness under the shadow of the lonely fell.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish author, physician, and spiritualist best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his storytelling talent began to emerge alongside his scientific education. Though initially practicing as a doctor, Doyle turned to writing to support himself, eventually achieving worldwide fame with the publication of A Study in Scarlet in 1887. Beyond detective fiction, he explored historical novels, science fiction, and supernatural themes, notably in the Professor Challenger series. A passionate advocate for justice, he was involved in several real-life legal investigations. In his later years, Doyle became deeply involved in spiritualism, dedicating much of his time and writings to life after death. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in literary history.