Florence the Woman

Buddha Statue, 16th century

Display No. 139

Nightingale was a devout Christian who respected other faiths and did not let her beliefs limit her intellectual curiosity. She believed that the Buddha was a person who had contributed to the progress of humankind.

This Burmese Buddha statue is understood to have been owned by Nightingale.

Lent by The Trustees of the Denys Eyre Bower Bequest, Chiddingstone Castle

Exhibits from ‘Florence the Woman’

Discover the 200 Exhibits

Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!