Hampshire's heroine
Hampshire Life|May 2020
As emergency hospitals bearing her name open across the UK, we remember a Romsey woman who transformed Victorian nursing care
William Gibson
Hampshire's heroine

May 2020 will see the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Living for 90 years she was to find fame as the “Lady with the Lamp”, mother of modern nursing and architect of the British Army’s reformed medical service.

Born into a wealthy family, with homes in Derbyshire and Hampshire (at Embley Park near Romsey) the early years were very comfortable for Florence and her older sister. The family enjoyed a typical upper-class lifestyle, socialising with a wide circle of friends and relations. Once into her teens, however, Florence tired of the routine and constant letter writing, recording in her diary: “I craved for some regular occupation, for something worth doing instead of frittering away time on useless trifles.”

In 1837 Mrs Nightingale decided Embley was too small for her social ambitions. Plans were drawn up for major conversion and the family decided to tour Europe for the duration of the building work. It was during this busy period that Florence recorded in a private note: “On February 7 1837 God spoke to me and called me to His service.” No indication was given as to what form that service would take but she felt at ease, knowing she would find her calling.

Five years later Florence had the first indication of where her calling would take her. While in Derbyshire she visited a rural village and recorded: “In the black filth of rural cottages all the people I see are eaten up with care, poverty or disease.” She knew her destiny lay among the miserable of the world.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Hampshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2020 edition of Hampshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HAMPSHIRE LIFEView All
Southampton's first Michelin star?
Hampshire Life

Southampton's first Michelin star?

Newly opened southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine, could have all the right ingredients to claim the coveted title

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
This GIRL CAN
Hampshire Life

This GIRL CAN

Tracy Edwards MBE paved the way for women in sport with her boat Maiden. Now, 30 years on, she’s showing women around the world that they can do something amazing too

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The good ship LIBERTY
Hampshire Life

The good ship LIBERTY

A call out on Instagram saw this Overton artist being included in the iconic Liberty Book

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
For KING & country
Hampshire Life

For KING & country

Can someone be born into greatness? We share the story of one of Britain’s most underrated monarchs, Henry III

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Doing it for THEMSELVES
Hampshire Life

Doing it for THEMSELVES

Multi-tasking sisters Iman and Yasmine El Sheik have just launched their new haircare brand Divinely Made, set to transform curly locks across the country

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The Bear Ladies
Hampshire Life

The Bear Ladies

Julie Tatchel and Amanda Middleditch from Bear It In Mind in Hythe regularly have viewers in tears with their bear restorations on the BBC hit show, The Repair Shop

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A walk in Wonderland
Hampshire Life

A walk in Wonderland

A New Forest walk in the footsteps of Alice Hargreaves, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Creature comfort
Hampshire Life

Creature comfort

From growing up with Hampshire racehorses to caring for dogs and cats at home, Clare Balding’s love of animals has seen her through good times and bad

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A rare find
Hampshire Life

A rare find

Hampshire’s diverse habitats attract all of Britain’s six native species of reptiles

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
A friend in need
Hampshire Life

A friend in need

Margot has met a kindred spirit to share her renovation horror stories

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020