Mary Seacole (1805 – 1881) was a herbalist and nurse (or ‘doctress’) who used traditional African and Caribbean remedies made from plants to treat illnesses and injuries. She was born and grew up in Jamaica where she learnt her herbal skills from her mother. In 1854 she travelled to the Crimean War to use her botanical and nursing skills to treat sick and injured soldiers, of which there were hundreds. Mary was a pioneering and charismatic woman who helped to save the lives of many. However she was not properly recognized for her bravery or contribution to the war until after she died. In 1991 she received the Jamaican Order of Merit and in 2004 she was voted greatest Black Briton.