A memorial statue believed to be the UK's first in honour of a named black woman has been unveiled in London.
Mary Seacole was a Jamaican-born nurse who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War in the 19th Century.
The statue's completion follows a 12-year campaign which raised £500,000 to honour her.
Tottenham MP David Lammy said it was a "
seminal moment for Londoners, and for the black community particularly."
The statue was created by Martin Jennings and stands opposite the Houses of Parliament in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital.
It is inscribed with words written in 1857 by Crimean War correspondent, Sir Russell: "
I trust that England will not forget one who nursed her sick, who sought out her wounded to aid and succour them, and who performed the last offices forsome of her illustrious dead."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36663206
Other notable statues honouring black people include South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela
and 'Gilt of Cane' in Fen Court which commemorates the abolition of the slave trade in 1807.
