Ranyard Nurses district nurses badge

A scarce original circa 1940's 'Ranyard Nurses bronze badge', rope edged maltese cross with Latin motto circlet 'Laborare est Orare' (To work is to pray) 'London' in the top arm 'A.D. 1868' in the lower 'L N R' across the centre, the reverse with maker's details 'H.W.M Ltd' (H.W.Miller). Very good condition, complete with original pin fittings safety roller catch in good working order.
Height 36mm.

The organisation known as 'The Ranyard Mission and Ranyard Nurses' originated as 'The London Bible and Domestic Female Mission' a lay group of Anglican bible women founded in 1857 by Mrs L. N. Ranyard. In 1868 a nursing branch was added, and the title was changed to the London Biblewomen and Nurses Mission.They were the first district nurses in London, training in London hospitals. 'Ranyard Nurses' were taken over by the district nursing services run by London boroughs in 1965.

Code: 60637