Mary Jane Seacole

was a mixed-race British nurse

Seacole was taught herbal remedies and folk medicine by her mother

of a nomadic disposition, on hearing of the terrible conditions of the Crimean War and certain that her knowledge of tropical medicine would be of use, she travelled to London and volunteered as a nurse

Although an expert at dealing with cholera, her application to join Florence Nightingale's team was rejected

She then borrowed money to make the 4,000 mile journey alone

she distinguished herself, treating the wounded on the battlefield, on many occasions treating wounded soldiers from both sides while under fire

Following the cessation of hostilities in 1856 she found herself stranded and almost destitute, and was saved from penury by the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces

Today she is noted not only for her bravery and medical skills but as "a woman who succeeded despite the racial prejudice of influential sections of Victorian society"

c.1850

"British Hotel" in Crimea

1873