Place Name
Edith Louisa Cavell (December 4, 1865 – October 12, 1915) was a British nurse whose execution by the Germans during the First World War elevated her to the status of national heroine and confirmed, for many, the anti-German propaganda that had been fed to them. Cavell was born in Norwich, the daughter of an Anglican vicar, she went into nursing – following a period as a governess – after her father fell seriously ill and she had to care for him. When he recovered she studied nursing at the London Hospital before taking up a post in Belgium, where she became a pioneer of modern nursing in the country. She was already in Brussels when the Germans invaded. Although she cared for wounded German troops, she was arrested for helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium. Accused of treason, she was found guilty by a court-martial and sentenced to death. Despite international pressure for mercy, she was shot by a firing squad. Her execution received worldwide condemnation and extensive press coverage. The night before her execution, she said: “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.” These words were later inscribed on a memorial to her near Trafalgar Square. Her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed it, both German and Allied soldiers. She was quoted as saying: “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.” This is one of many streets that was named in her honour.
