Health and Medicine

Wax surgery teaching model

The birth of plastic surgery

The First World War saw a huge rise in the number of drastic facial injuries. This led to the development of modern facial reconstructive surgery.

Florence Nightingale at Scutari, 1856

Florence Nightingale: The Lady with the Lamp

Florence Nightingale was a legend in her own lifetime and one of the most famous women in British history.

Explore Health and Medicine events

School students getting to grips with the handling collection
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

A British medical orderly treats a wounded German soldier, c1916
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment (virtual)

Explore artefacts and sources on the causes and treatment of injuries and illnesses on the Western Front during the First World War, and assess the impact of these innovations.

School children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
SEND
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary (SEND)

Find out about the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and how they helped the soldiers in the Crimea.

Florence Nightingale tending to wounded soldiers at Scutari Hospital
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

Florence and Mary (virtual)

Discover the historic contributions of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and why they have been remembered (or not) over time.

A British medical orderly treats a wounded German soldier, c1916
Talk
27 Jun 2025 FREE

It Worked: Innovation and Improvisation in the Royal Army Medical Corps

Jessica Meyer examines how new ideas and technologies helped to push military medical care forwards during the First World War.

Explore Health and Medicine learning resources

Marvellous Mary Seacole
Home Activity

Marvellous Mary Seacole

Discover more about Mary Seacole and her work with British soldiers during the Crimean War.

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt
Trail

Florence and Mary Gallery Hunt

Go on a hunt to find out more about how Florence and Mary cared for sick and injured soldiers during the Crimean War.

Military Medicine: Gallery Trail
Trail

Military Medicine: Gallery Trail

Follow the trail to find 10 gallery objects that explore combat medicine, survival and rehabilitation.

Florence Nightingale in the Military Hospital at Scutari, 1855
Quiz

Florence and Mary in the Crimean War: Quiz

Put your knowledge of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole to the test in this interactive quiz.

Outside an advanced dressing station at Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, Western Front, April 1917
Timeline

Health and Medicine in the Army: Interactive Timeline

Uncover the history of medical developments in the British Army through this interactive timeline packed with nearly 200 sources.

How to Draw: Victorian edition
Home Activity

How to Draw: Victorian edition

Use our step-by step instructions to have a go at drawing items related to Florence Nightingale.