The unveiling of the memorial to Edith Cavell in Tombland outside Norwich Cathedral in 1919. Courtesy Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
The life and work of Norfolk nurse Edith Cavell is the subject of a new exhibition at the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum in Norwich on until spring 2006.
This emotional exhibition brings to light Cavell’s brave and heroic deeds helping injured Allied soldiers escape from German occupied Belgium during the First World War.
It charts her life from her early years, born in 1866, right through to when she was executed for her conduct during the war in October 1915.
Kate Thaxton, curator of the museum said, “Although Edith Cavell is a well-known person internationally there seems to be very little on display about her achievements in Norwich and with the ninetieth anniversary of her death it is an ideal opportunity to exhibit her life and times.”
Stamp designed by Percy Buckman, 1918. One of a series of stamps issued in aid of the Incorporated Soldiers & Sailors Help Society. The original watercolour is on display in the exhibition. Courtesy Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
The exhibition consists of material loaned by her home parish of Swardeston and from various Norfolk Museums. It gives details of her upbringing at the Norfolk Refectory, her early work as a governess as well as her main work as a nurse both in this country and in Belgium.
The exhibition is swamped with postcards, posters, plays, films and songs all providing examples of the worldwide outcry that resulted from her execution by the Germans.
She’s commemorated in many places, and in many ways, including the naming of streets and buildings worldwide, as well as a mountain named after her in Canada, Mount Edith Cavell
The exhibition also houses photos of Edith with her beloved dogs. After her death one of them, Jack, was looked after by Countess de Croy until he died in 1923. He was stuffed and mounted and, oddly enough, can now be found in the Imperial War Museum!
The inclusion of the Edith Cavell exhibition within the Regimental Museum has a peculiar quality to it. When one thinks of a war museum it is normally associated with masculine traits, however Edith Cavell and her life add a charming feminine touch. This is due to the display of her nurses uniform and delightful portraits and images of her face: they seem to brighten up the place.
Kate Thaxton added “This exhibition focuses on the broader history of the Regimental Museum, looking deeper into the lives of individuals rather than war in general. This exhibition may appeal to a much more varied public.”
Cavell's Grave, Tombland, Norwich Cathedral. © 24 Hour Museum
Her funeral in 1919 was a huge event and is well documented in the exhibition with Orders of Service, photographs and details of men of the Norfolk Regiment who were involved.
The moving photos show thousands of people attending her funeral. Buried at Norwich Cathedral, she touched the hearts of the British and more specifically Norfolk people for her courageous efforts and is considered as ‘The Greatest Heroine in History’.
Jayna Makwana is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.
