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Why should you know about Mary Seacole?

Writer's picture: Livi AduLivi Adu
Sep 30, 20235 min read

CW: This article contains discussions of medicine, oppression and war.


A Nursing Pioneer who saved hundreds on the battlefield (1805 - 1881)

In medical history records, few names shine as brightly as Mary Seacole. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1805, Seacole’s journey from a young girl learning traditional Caribbean and African herbal medicines from her mother to a recognized pioneer in nursing is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Her work during the Crimean War saved countless lives and laid the groundwork for modern nursing practices. Today, she stands as a symbol of resilience and a trailblazer in the field of nursing. This blog post aims to delve into the life and legacy of Mary Seacole, exploring her early years, her invaluable contributions during the Crimean War, and the enduring impact she has had on nursing and healthcare.


A historical scene in a dining room with a group of people from various races dressed in military uniform. A Black woman representing, Mary Seacole, in a brown dress and white apron stands in the center, pointing to the left. The room is lit by a large window, and the walls are adorned with paintings and signs.
Artistic interpretation of Mary Seacole inspiring the troops with her knowledge. Bing AI-generated image

Early life: How did Mary Seacole get into medicine?

Mary Seacole was born in 1805 in Kingston, Jamaica, to a Jamaican mother and a Scottish father. Her mother, known as "The Doctress," was a healer who used traditional Caribbean and African herbal remedies. Seacole learned these practices from a young age, gaining valuable knowledge about medicine and care that would later form the foundation of her nursing career.


Seacole's journey into nursing began in her mother's boarding house, Blundell Hall, in Kingston, Jamaica. Her mother was known as a "doctress," a term used in some cultures to describe a woman who is believed to be able to treat sick and injured people, without having formal medical training. From the age of 12, Seacole worked alongside her mother, learning to care for people using traditional Jamaican medicines and healing techniques. This early exposure to healthcare sparked Seacole's interest in the field and set her on the path to becoming a 'doctress' herself.


Seacole's curiosity and thirst for knowledge led her to travel extensively. In 1823, she first travelled to London, and later in 1825, she visited the Bahamas, Haiti, and Cuba before returning to Jamaica in 1826. These travels exposed her to modern European medicine and allowed her to complement her knowledge of traditional medicine with these new ideas.


By the time the Crimean War broke out in 1853, Seacole already had extensive nursing experience, caring for the sick during cholera and yellow fever epidemics. Despite lacking formal British medical training, she was among the first to recognise and practice modern medical practices, including hygiene, ventilation, hydration, and rest.


A watercolor illustration of a Mary Seacole's mother teaching her about medicine at a desk, surrounded by papers, ink bottles, and medical equipment. The window behind them has bars and is covered with a sheer white curtain. The background is a light peach color.
An illustration of a young Mary Seacole learning about medicine from her mother. Bing AI- generated image

CW: There is a graphic image of a field hospital with injured soldiers and blood at the end of the next section.


What did Mary Seacole do in the Crimean War?

The Crimean War (1853–56) was a significant conflict in the 19th century, fought mainly on the Crimean Peninsula between Russia and an alliance of Britain, France, Turkey, and Sardinia. The war arose from religious tensions and geopolitical ambitions, as Russia sought to expand its influence over the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean at the expense of the declining Ottoman Empire. It featured significant battles, technological advancements in warfare, and medical care reforms.


Seacole’s journey to Crimea was not without its challenges. Despite her extensive experience and proven skills, the British War Office rejected her application to serve as a nurse. However, Seacole was not one to be easily deterred. She funded her own trip to Crimea and, along with her business partner Thomas Day, established the “British Hotel” near Balaclava. The hotel provided a place for sick and convalescent officers to rest and recover.


Seacole’s medical practices were innovative for the time. She used a combination of traditional Jamaican remedies and modern medical techniques in her treatment of patients. Her understanding of hygiene and nutrition also played a crucial role in her nursing practice. She used various remedies, such as mustard emetics to induce vomiting and pomegranate juice to treat diarrhoea. Her understanding of hygiene and nutrition also played a crucial role in her nursing practice. Her work in Crimea went beyond the confines of her hotel. She often rode out to the battlefield, sometimes under fire, to nurse wounded soldiers. Her courage and dedication earned her the affectionate nickname ‘Mother Seacole’ from the soldiers she cared for.


Despite facing numerous challenges, including racial prejudice and limited resources, Seacole’s commitment to her profession never wavered. Her work in Crimea left a lasting impact on nursing and set a precedent for future medical care in war zones.

A sepia-toned illustration of a hospital scene with Mary Seacole, a black woman, in a blue dress and white headscarf attending to a patient lying on a bed. The patient appears to be unconscious and covered in blood. Other medical professionals and patients are visible in the background, along with medical equipment and a large window surrounding a door.
Mother Seacole saving lives with compassion and skill. Bing AI-generated image

Conclusion: Mary Seacole, a medical legend and pioneer

Mary Seacole's legacy is one of courage, determination, compassion, and innovation. She was a pioneer in nursing who broke down barriers and dedicated her life to caring for the wounded. Seacole's story inspires us all and reminds us of the importance of fighting for what is right, even when faced with adversity. She overcame discrimination to become a renowned nurse and healer. Her work during the Crimean War, where she used a combination of traditional Jamaican remedies and modern medical techniques to care for wounded soldiers, left a lasting impact on the nursing profession. Her dedication to her patients, often visiting the battlefield under fire to nurse wounded soldiers, earned her the affectionate nickname "Mother Seacole."


Seacole's legacy continues to inspire nurses and healthcare professionals today. Her legacy of compassion, innovation, and resilience in healthcare is evident in the diversity of the UK's nursing profession, with GEMs now making up 20% of the workforce. Her story continues to inspire current and future generations of nurses, reinforcing the importance of compassion, innovation, and resilience in healthcare. Seacole's story also serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse contributions that have shaped healthcare as we know it. Her life and work continue to resonate today, underscoring her timeless relevance in the field of medicine.


If you found this article helpful, share her story with others. Please help to raise awareness of her contributions to nursing and healthcare. To see an image of Mary Seacole and learn more about her life and work by following the links in the references. Please share your thoughts on Mary Seacole in the comments section below.


An illustration of Mary Seacole in a white nurse’s uniform and cap, surrounded by various medical and scientific objects such as a microscope, a book, a mortar and pestle, and various bottles and jars. Small illustrations of Mary working in a laboratory and a hospital are also present. The background is pale green with a floral border.
Mary Seacole's contributions to medicine are immeasurable. She is truly a legend. Bing AI-generated image

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