Florence Nightingale Richards was the custodian, or 'Keeper of the keys' at Tintagel Castle for over 70 years. She was a lady of great character and very much a part of the story of this historic site. She clearly made a great impression on visitors to the castle, being mentioned in numerous travel guides and newspaper articles of the period. The title 'Keeper of the keys' had it's origin in one of these publications. Visitors would be shown around by Florence and regaled with the 'history' of the castle. In later years, as she became frail, she would hand them the keys with strict instructions to come down when their time was up! If anyone was late she rang her bell as a reminder. She finally retired in 1939 when in her 80's. Florence died in Launceston in 1949 and is buried in an unmarked grave at St Materiana's Church in Tintagel.

Lynda has spent many hours researching Florence's life and her story at Tintagel. Photographs of Florence now hang in the cafe at the Castle in recognition of her contribution to it's history. Recently Kathy Hipperson has been involved in events at the castle, bringing Florence's story alive.

We (Lynda and Kathy) believe that Florence deserves a fitting memorial and would like to raise enough money to provide a headstone for her.