Florence Nightingale remains one of the most recognised figures of the Crimean War. On the invitation of the Minister of War, she arrived with a small group of nurses at the main British military hospital at Scutari, Constantinople, in November 1854. Her nursing reforms, including improving sanitation and controlling the spread of infection, were widely praised by the press.

Her dedication to wounded soldiers earned her the admiration of Queen Victoria who recorded in her Journal: ‘I envy her being able to do so much good and look after the noble heroes whose behaviour is admirable’. The Queen also supported Nightingale in practical ways, sending her cases of medical supplies and writing to senior military figures in the Crimea expressing her concern for the welfare of the troops.

From the collection of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII