Pioneer and Campaigner

Lord Palmerston, 1784-1865

Display No. 184

Lord Palmerston served twice as British Prime Minister. During the Crimean War, Palmerston took a hard stand to extend the fighting with Russian troops. His goal was to permanently reduce the Russian threat to Europe.

When news about the horrific conditions at Scutari Hospital reached England, he sent the ‘Sanitary Commission’ to resolve the problems with the drinking water supply and sewers. Nightingale fully supported the Commission and often referred to Palmerston as a “true gentleman”.

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston
by Thomas Heaphy
watercolour and pencil, July 1802
NPG 751
© National Portrait Gallery, London

Exhibits from ‘Pioneer and Campaigner’

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!