Florence Nightingale's Carriage

Florence Nightingale's Carriage - A Unique Vehicle

During her tours of inspection of the scattered hospitals on the Crimean Peninsula it was not unusual for Florence Nightingale to spend long days in the saddle. The terrain was rough - often steep the roads extremely bad, especially in winter. Not until her third visit in March 1856, however, when an upset of the mule cart in which she was travelling caused injury to her back, did the Commandant of the Land Transport Corps decide that the best vehicle possible must be procured for her. Though hostilities had ended, at least three arduous months lay ahead.

Adapted from a light, Russian baggage-car, the 'refinements' installed at the time are mostly visible, e.g. the canopy, basketwork sides and curtains. There was no suspension, but more important to Florence Nightingale would have been the collapsible front which enabled stretchers to be placed within.

Rescued from a sale of 'Crimean Effects' soon after Miss Nightingale's return to England, the carriage has twice been restored, the first time following a bombing raid on St Thomas' Hospital in 1942.

See this unusual carriage, and other exhibits portraying Florence Nightingale's influence on military nursing, at the Army Medical Services Museums. Here you will find the collections of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps and the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Facilities: Gift shop with access for visitors in wheelchairs; special events most Bank Holidays; toilets; parking for disabled visitors.

Admission: Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm; weekends and Bank Holidays by appointment. Guided tours, school parties and coach parties welcome (essential to book in advance). Free admission.

How to get there:

Road: Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale GU12 5RQ.

Car parking available.

Train: Ash Vale Station. 30 minutes walk or by taxi.

Telephone: 01252 340212.

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