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First published 1857, this autobiography explores the many adventures of Mary Seacole -
Selection of postcards featuring images and objects from the museum collection. Please choose from the list below. All shop sales support the Florence Nightingale Museum, a registered charity, and its work. -
Mary was a brave nurse. When a war started in the Crimea, she sails far across the sea to offer her help. Can she save the soldiers, even when the bullets at flying? All shop sales support the Florence Nightingale Museum, a registered charity, and its work. -
In Search of Mary Seacole is a superb and revealing biography that explores her remarkable achievements and unique status as an icon of the 19th century, but also corrects some of the myths that have grown around her life and career. Having been raised in Jamaica and worked in Panama, Mary Seacole came to England in the 1850s and volunteered to help out during the Crimean War. When her services were turned down, she financed her own expedition to Balaclava, where she earned her reputation as a nurse and for her compassion. Popularly known as ‘Mother Seacole’, she was the most famous Black celebrity of her generation – an extraordinary achievement in Victorian Britain. She regularly mixed with illustrious royal and military patrons and they, along with grateful war veterans, helped her recover financially when she faced bankruptcy. However, after her death in 1881, she was largely forgotten for many years. More recently, her profile has been revived and her reputation lionised, with a statue of her standing outside St Thomas's Hospital in London and her portrait - rediscovered by the author - is now on display in the National Portrait Gallery. In Search of Mary Seacole is the fruit of almost twenty years of research by Helen Rappaport into her story. The book reveals the truth about Seacole's personal life and her 'rivalry' with Florence Nightingale, along with much more besides. Often the reality proves to be even more remarkable and dramatic than the legend. Helen Rappaport was born in Bromley, Kent, and studied Russian at Leeds University, before working as a translator and copy editor. She has been a full-time writer for more than twenty-three years, and in 2003 discovered and purchased an 1869 portrait of Mary Seacole that now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, sparking a long investigation into Seacole's life and career. -
Discover the people, places, and landmarks that make London a truly global, modern city. The story of Black history throughout London, with historical richness and symbolism from the Tudor times to the present day Complete travel guide to the people, places, events, and landmarks in London that have shaped Black history Over 120 historical sites all over London, detailing the Nelson Mandela Statue, Cleopatra's Needle, the Black Lives Matter mural, and more 5 detailed maps with handy markers for each location to visit, breaking London down into easy areas to explore London is a city justly proud of its cultural diversity, yet for too long the focus has been on mainstream history. Black London is a complete guide that shines a new and much-needed light on the rich Black history of London's inhabitants and beyond. London is rich with global and local Black history. Look up, slow down, and discover the work of some remarkable individuals who made London a truly global, modern city! From Cleopatra's Needle carved in Egypt 3,500 years ago, which sits on the Victoria Embankment, the Nelson Mandela Statue in Parliament Square, and the Stuart Hall Library in Westminster to the Memorial Gates in Constitution Hill, the Wayne Marques corbel on the London Bridge, the Black Lives Matter mural in Woolwich, Jamaica Wine House in Cornhill, and so much more, this must-have travel guide showcases over 120 historical sites worth visiting and revisiting. Co-author Avril Nanton is a qualified London tour guide and Black history historian who offers lectures and tours on Black history in the London area, while co-author Jody Burton is a librarian and bibliophile with a particular interest in Black history and art. Inside this 192-page book, they take you on a journey through the Black history of London, one area at a time! You'll find annotated walking maps for Central and East London, West London, North London, South London, and South-East London, each with helpful numbered markers so you can build your own perfect walk through history. -
Metal pin badge featuring an image of Mary Seacole and 'What would Seacole do?' All shop sales support the Florence Nightingale Museum, a registered charity, and its work.
