Recognising Icons

1805-1881

She was recognised for...

• being the first nurse practitioner

• establishing the "British Hotel" for convalescence in what is now Ukraine.

• providing medical aid to British soldiers during the Crimean War

• being the first accredited nursing graduate

Answer explanation

Whilst not formally trained, her knowledge of traditional Caribbean and African herbal medicines, as well as observing military doctors led into her caring practises.

Born in Jamaica, part of the British Empire at the time...

• her legacy in the UK was forgotten for nearly 100 years

• a statue in her honour stands at St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth

• she lived in the UK, Haiti, Cuba, Panama and Russia

• wrote the book "Wonderful Adventures of (...) in Many Lands".

Answer explanation

Her impact on British History was not recognised again until the rediscovery of her gravestone in London in 1973.

An English Heritage Blue Plaque was eventually dedicated to her in 1985.

Her name is...

• Florence Nightingale

• Kofoworola Abeni Pratt

• "Mother" Mary Seacole

• Mother Teresa

Answer explanation

Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole both provided aid during the Crimean War.

Kofoworola Abeni Pratt was the first qualified black nurse in the NHS in 1949.

1882 - 1947

Born in Jamaica, educated at King's College London...

• he graduated top of his class in Medicine in 1910

• he worked in numerous hospitals in London

• he set up his GP surgery in Peckham, South London

• he established the League of Coloured Peoples

Answer explanation

Denied work as a doctor for three years, he set up his own practice from his home to treat those in need, free of charge.

He set up the LCP in 1931 to combat many racial injustices and fought for civil rights across the UK .

His legacy in British history includes...

• overturning the "Special Restriction Order 1925"

• being one of the first doctors on the scene during the Blitz of WWII

• his time in the Royal Army Medical Corp

• his role as Medical Officer for Camberwell Board of Guardians

Answer explanation

The Special Restriction Order targeted non-white sailors to prove they were British subjects or risk arrest and deportation. It was revoked in 1942.

John Alcindor, another prominent black physician was denied a place with the Royal Army Medical Corp in 1914.

Moody was denied the position of Medical Officer because the Board deemed patients would not want to be treated by a black doctor.

His name is...

• Dr John Alcindor

• Dr JS Risien Russell

• Dr Harold Moody

• Dr Charles Drew

Answer explanation

J.S. Risien Russell is credited as the first black British medical consultant specialising in neurology and mental health.

Charles Drew was an African-American surgeon known as "Father of the blood bank" whose expertise during the Blood for Britain campaign saved countless lives in WWII

1856-1921

Born in British Guiana (now Guyana) before moving to Great Britain...

• he studied at King's College School from 1871

• he qualified as a maritime engineer and worked extensively at sea

• he was the first black international footballer

• he moved back to the West Indies in his retirement

Answer explanation

Despite travelling the Atlantic ocean numerous times, he lived most of his life in Liverpool before finally resting in London.

An impressive football career with many highlights...

• his international debut was as captain of Scotland against England in 1881

• he evolved the game to what is considered "modern football"

• he has a memorial at Hampden Park

• A.W was the first black professional footballer

Answer explanation

In 1881, England lost 6-1 to Scotland at Oval. Still their worst defeat on home soil.

"Scotch Professors" were players that introduced the play-and-pass style of modern football.

Arthur Warton is credited as the first black professional footballer in 1889 for Rotherham Town. Records of any payments to this icon for his football career are incomplete.

His name is...

• Walter Tull

• Andrew Watson

• Arthur Wharton

• Angus Wallace

Answer explanation

While Arthur Wharton has a statue at St George's Park, there is no memorial for Watson despite his influence on the development of football and its introduction around the world. One is planned for the Scottish national stadium, Hampden Park.

The first black player to represent England would not be until the 1970s.

Born 1970 in Kent...

• she won a gold medal for the 800m at 2004 Olympic Games in Athens 

• she won a gold medal for the 1500m at 2004 Olympic Games in Athens 

• she served in the British Army for nine years 

• she was a keen Army Boxer 

Answer explanation

She became the British Army judo champion during her time in the Adjutant General’s Corps.