Pioneering contributions commemorated in Derby city centre

Wavensmere Homes has helped unveil blue plaques commemorating the contribution of Florence Nightingale and Dr William Ogle at its Nightingale Quarter site.

Wavensmere Homes and Derby Civic Society held an event for city dignitaries to unveil the plaques commemorating the establishment and design of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (DRI) in the city centre, which is now the £175m Nightingale Quarter, featuring 925 homes and community amenities.

Florence Nightingale lived in Derby for three years and was instrumental in designing the landmark hospital. Prior to this, William Ogle FRCP was a physician and later, consulting physician 1860-1891, to the Derbyshire General Infirmary.

He asked Florence Nightingale to assess the basis on which nursing standards could be improved, which led to the rebuild of the original (1806-1810) building along the lines suggested by Florence and refined by Ogle.

The hospital was rebuilt and enlarged 1868-1872, with the addition of the Nightingale wing. Ogle’s innovations at Derby were subsequently much copied elsewhere.

The DRI received the Royal Stamp of Approval when it was opened by Queen Victoria in 1894. An original statue of Victoria Regina has been preserved and restored by Wavensmere Homes, which sits proud along the scheme’s prominent London Road frontage.

Wavensmere Homes took ownership of the 18.5-acre site in 2019 and is now in the final phases of delivering the scheme which encompasses: 125 houses, 800 apartments, an interactive community garden in partnership with Down to Earth Derby, The Pepperpot restaurant, a residents’ gym, and an expansive co-working facility.

James Dickens, Managing Director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are proud that our redevelopment of this iconic former hospital has been the catalyst for Derby’s city living resurgence. Nightingale Quarter has created a new community of all ages, leaving a £175m legacy in the process.

“Unveiling two blue plaques in the year that will see the conclusion of five years of construction to deliver this unique regeneration project is wonderful, especially as we are only weeks away from selling out.”

The plaque commemorating William Ogle at the southern Pepperpot was unveiled by Elizabeth Fothergill, CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire. The Florence Nightingale plaque on the Pepperpot restaurant building was unveiled by Cllr Ged Potter, Mayor of Derby, together with Karen Hill, Lead Nurse for Professional Standards for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

James Dickens continued: “We are grateful for the support of Derby Civic Society, Derby City Council, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Royal Derby Hospital Medical Museum, the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Baggy Shanker – our local MP, and The Pepperpot restaurant for all coming together to mark this special occasion.”

Ashley Waterhouse, Chair of Derby Civic Society, said: “What a fitting way to celebrate the expansion of Derby’s blue plaque trail by proudly unveiling these commemorations to Dr Ogle and Florence Nightingale. Their pioneering work towards the end of the 19th Century saw our city recognised in the advancement of healthcare delivery.”