Mary Seacole…National Geographic Society
Mary Seacole
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Seacole was born in Jamaica to an African slave and a Scottish military member in 1805. Her father was a Lieutenant in the British Army which afforded her the right to be born free.
Seacole received a sound education learning how to read and write through the kindness of an unnamed elderly woman she lived with for a few years.
As the privileges of mixed race children increased in Jamaica, this allowed Seacole more freedom in movement and working. She used her privileges to assist her mother in setting up a boarding house which served as a private hospital and hotel in Jamaica.
After the death of her husband of eight years, Seacole travelled extensively throughout Central America in 1851. She overcame discrimination and developed a medicine trade business.
In 1854, Seacole moved to Britain to work as a healer in the British Army.
Racism didn’t deter her, even after having her request to be sent to Crimea to aid the sick and dying was denied.
Instead, Seacole travelled to Crimea and set up a hotel called the British Hotel. Due to inadequate funds, the hotel was just a small quarter with mess-table for the injured and a resting room. With time, she became the most sought-after nurse in Crimea with a reputation for healing all sorts of deadly wounds.
Many wounded soldiers were sent to her hotel, and she visited the battlefield during more dangerous times to cater for the sick. She soon became known as Mother Seacole, the black Florence Nightingale.
Between 1860 and 1881, Seacole moved in and out of Jamaica and Britain and became nationally recognized in both countries. She became close to the British royal and was decorated with medals by the military in Jamaica. She lived in London until she died on May 14, 1881.
