Mary Jane Seacole

[anteros_lmc]

In memory of Jamaican born Scottish Creole nursing pioneer, Mary Jane Seacole, born 1805, died 14th May 1881, 132 years ago today. You can download Mary's own autobiography, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands, from Project Guttenburg here. And here's Horrible Histories own inimitable tribute to the inspirational Mary, as performed

Comments

[eglantine_br]

Hark A Vagrant has several cartoons about her. I am sorry to say i had never heard of her until last year!

[anteros_lmc]

She seems to have been an amazing woman, I really must read her autobiography sometime. Her legacy and reputation still cause considerable controversy in the UK. The loathsome Tory Education Secretary recently proposed removing Seacole from the English national schools curriculum, which caused a bit of a furore. It you're brave enough to read the comments on this typical press report here you'll get an idea of the controversy. (There are also some hilariously ill informed comments there.)

[eglantine_br]

It will not let me see the comments. However the stupid comments in the NYTimes over just about everything, give me a clue. Some people have nasty things to say about everything

[vespican]

And history should be taught with warts and all. Trying to mold it to fit a desired image does more harm than good.
Dave

[stevie_carroll]

Always good to be reminded of Mary.

[mylodon]

Horrible Histories Rool. Those songs are never less than brilliant.

[kittycallum]

Ah! Fascinating woman! :) I found myself in the middle of a Mary Seacole vs Florence Nightingale argument between a married couple visiting the fort last year -- they were both pretty remarkable people, I couldn't take a side.

Thank you for the link to that autobiography, I can't wait to read it!