Florence the Woman

Barbara Bodichon, 1827-1891

Display No. 37

Nightingale was not the only reformer in her family. Her cousin Barbara Bodichon was a leading womens’ rights activist.

Bodichon published several journals and books focussing on equality and employment issues for women. She fought for women to have the right to a university education, resulting in the establishment of Girton College Cambridge.

Barbara Bodichon

Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, after Samuel Laurence, collotype, (1861)
NPG D31926
© National Portrait Gallery, London

Exhibits from ‘Florence the Woman’

Discover the 200 Exhibits

Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!