Leeds' estates timely tribute to lady with the lamp Florence Nightingale

Caption: British nurse Florence Nightingale (1820 - 1910) makes her rounds in the Barrack hospital at Scutari, during the Crimean War, 24th February 1855. (Photo by Illustrated London News/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

As the lady with the lamp, Florence Nightingale has for centuries stood as a beacon of hope for thousands in their darkest hour.

This symbolism has never meant more than it does today, as the baton is passed with honour to a new generation keeping solitary watch over those in need.

Now, in a timely tribute to mark 200 years since her birth, historians are to shine a light on the nursing pioneer’s links to Leeds’ Lotherton estate.

There is the writing desk where she would pen her daily letters to a young cousin, whose daughter would go on to become lady of the Hall.

Caption: English nursing pioneer, healthcare reformer and Crimean War heroine, Florence Nightingale (1820 - 1910). (Photo by London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)

And in the renovation of the Winter Garden at Leeds General Infirmary, the world’s first civic hospital, which will be used as a venue for music and arts.

“Florence Nightingale has a very special place in history and a name which has become synonymous with a dedication to excellence and a selfless devotion to patient care,” said Coun Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council.

“Those values continue to be exemplified by the truly remarkable efforts of our modern-day healthcare professionals, whose extraordinary courage and commitment during this unprecedented pandemic has been a unifying source of national pride.”

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This pen set belonged to Marianne Nicholson. She would have used it to write all her letters to Florence Nightingale when she was young. It contains a pen with nibs, ink, a pen wipe, a seal engraved with MN and a stick for rubbing paper ready for a wax seal.

Florence Nightingale, born May 12, 1820, would go on to become a trailblazing pioneer in laying the foundations for modern healthcare and transforming the nursing profession.

Leading the first team of British women to nurse in the Crimean war, she was described as a “ministering angel” who walked the corridors at night, carrying a lamp to lead her way long after the medical officers had retired.

In time, she would set the standards for modern nursing, but she was also a prolific writer, social reformer and a pioneer in data visualisation.

Now, through social media stories and a community campaign, her links to the Lotherton estate are being explored.

Estate links