Health and Medicine

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: 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

Tour

4-5 Aug 2026 FREE

Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine

Grab your scrubs, wash your hands and delve into the world of Army medicine on this interactive family tour.

Workshop

6-7 Aug 2026 FREE

Make Your Own Medical Poster

Put on your apron and get to work creating your own poster inspired by some of the amazing medical advances from Army history.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Secondary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 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.

Florence Nightingale tending to wounded soldiers at Scutari Hospital

Primary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 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

Secondary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 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.