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 children taking part in a Crimean War workshop
SEND
1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection
Secondary
1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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
1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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
1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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
Primary
1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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 selection of masks created as part of the Behind the Mask project
Display
4-19 Nov 2025 FREE

Behind the Mask: A Veterans' Art Engagement Project

See how military veterans have used the power of art to explore their past and to contemplate its continuing impact on their mental health.

A selection of masks created as part of the Behind the Mask project
Talk
7 Nov 2025 FREE

Behind the Mask: Healing, Mental Health and Art

Hear from Dr Tony Woods as he highlights the impact of art-based projects that focus on healing and self-discovery for military veterans.

Bust of Florence Nightingale
Talk
12 Dec 2025 FREE

Florence Nightingale: Myth and Celebrity

Dr Richard Bates analyses the celebrity status and abiding legacy of Florence Nightingale in historical culture since the Crimean War.

Explore Health and Medicine learning resources

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.

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.

Marvellous Mary Seacole
Home Activity

Marvellous Mary Seacole

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

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.

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.

Military Medicine: Gallery Trail
Trail

Military Medicine: Gallery Trail

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