Leadership and Empowerment

The Nightingale Jewel

Display No. 121

The Nightingale Jewel was given to Florence by Queen Victoria in 1855. This gold brooch is said to have been designed by Prince Albert. It is engraved with a dedication from Queen Victoria, “To Miss Florence Nightingale, as a mark of esteem and gratitude for her devotion towards the Queen’s brave soldiers, from Victoria R. 1855”.

The brooch was not merely a piece of jewellery, but rather it stood as a mark of royal appreciation.

To see the original brooch, visit the National Army Museum.

Jewel decorated with a red cross and three stars given by Queen Victoria to Florence Nightingale for her work in Crimea. Lithograph, 14 February 1856. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY 4.0

Exhibits from ‘Florence The Leader’

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!