Florence the Woman

Romsey Abbey, Hampshire

Display No. 191

Romsey Abbey is a Church of England congregation near to the Nightingale’s family home in Hampshire. The Nightingales were non-conformists, but still attended services there. Florence was very spiritual and developed her own thoughts about Christian life.

In ‘Suggestions for Thought’ she wrote: “As to a “common worship,” as it is called, instead of having it once a week we would have it every day, twice a day. The word “worship” however seems hardly to express what God wants of us… What He desires seems to be accordance with Him, that we should be one with Him, not prostrate before Him”.

Alan Ford/Wikimedia Commons

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!