This is the UK’s first memorial in honour of a named black woman. The memorial was designed by Martin Jennings. The memorial represents Mary Seacole walking defiantly into an oncoming wind, symbolising the personal resistance she had constantly to face and fight. She carries her bag of medications towards the battle. The vertical bronze disc reflects an image of the earth near the site where she established the British Hotel in the Crimea during the war.

It was a surprise, as far as I was aware Mary Seacole was never a nurse. Perhaps my history teacher was wrong

There are quite a few individuals in history whose stories were forgotten and never told. This is a monument to just such woman. She was brave and courageous. If you doubt that, look at the dates. A woman of colour travelling the world alone at that time was unheard of and filled with peril. Contrary to some stories and myth, she never proclaimed herself to be a nurse. She was a herbalist and a very caring person. The fact that this monument is a first and is on the grounds of Saint Thomas's Hospital points to how far we have come and still have a long way to go. It is located just off of Westminster Bridge, with full view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben/Clock Tower. The monument can also be seen from the COVID Memorial Wall, which is also a part of the Hospital's grounds. The nearest tube station is Westminster, which is on the other end of the bridge.

A statue honoring a nurse. It is the first black woman who got honored: Mary Seacole it looks like she is carrying a bag of medications towards the battle in Crimea during the war.

Just behind the memorial, there is a beautiful garden with so many benches, some of them out in the Sunshine and some under the trees shadow. The sight from there is amazing, looking at the parliament and the big Ben. A lovely place to have a sandwich and to relax from the chaos of London.

Really important statue in terms of our history, but judging by the wonderful historical images of her, this is surprisingly poorly executed as it really doesn't look that much like her, it's too masculine and sadly doesn't do her Justice. Really such a missed opportunity; unlike the contemporaneous bust by Gleichen, which is utterly stunning.

An absolute hidden jewel! Mary Seacole deserves far more recognition that she actually got.

Mary Seacole... a 🇯🇲Jamaican Nurse🇯🇲 of the Crimea War "Wherever the need arises on whatever distant shore I ask no higher or greater privilege than to minister to it"

Fantastic statue. About time she was recognised. Great location too.

nice

Beautiful statue near the hospital. Was a nice view while waiting for my jab.

Vaccination Center entry 1&2 is mega empty for the 2nd round vaccinations

A statue to a black woman who , 1) was never actually a nurse , and 2) her claim to fame was that she ran a hotel / restaurant in the Crimea . I gave just one star because i could not post my comment otherwise , the statue deserves no recognition whatsoever . A waste of money .

Such a moving place. It would be interesting for people to understand is a memorial for those that fall and died of COVID, not a place for selfies though.

Beautiful statue of Pioneering Nurse Mary Seacole set amidst the gardens infront of St Thomas hospital

Wonderful statue in memory of a nurse who provided care for soldiers during military conflict in Crimean war 1853 - 1856.

It took over ten years to have this statue.this statue could be admired much more,if only it was rotated 180 degrees,so people entering st Thomas's hospital main entrance,could be entranced ,and admire it ,instead of not being given any drive to see what it is.....with today's technology they could of placed a info tag,that could render more information. At the official ceremony they said it would be mentioned in the curriculum,let's hope that really happens....step forward,into reality letting the world know,that this world became great by the help of several countries,races,giving a Helping hand......that's what makes this country great....it's just got to recognise all the hero's...

nice

A belated monument to the Crimean War heroine Mary Seacole. The statue shows her purposefully striding forward, eyes fixed forward looking directly at the Houses of Parliament. There's a slightly difficult to read inscription written on the floor of the sculpture describing her achievements Worth a detour to see this monument if in the area.

Amazing lady. So some research and then take a visit to the statue.

Relaxing for sick ppl

Beautiful statue of a beautiful person

A must see tribute to Mary Seacole.

I never knew this statue existed until I saw a documentary about nurses from the Caribbean.

Lots of Art, ambience,character and colour

I love it

A beautiful statue of a great woman. And this is where a significant moment in my life occurred.

The statue stands tall and commanding. A true depiction of her greatness. I deducted 1 star for the inscription which is laid on the ground almost apologetically.

Fantastic Statue of the famous Lady x

Distinctive memorial giving an indication of her strength of character and how she may have seemed to soldiers in the Crimea.

Absolutely stunning!!

The Mary Seacole Statue situated in the Royal St Thomas Hospital is a stunning monument is a much forgotten story that would make a great story for a movie