The gardens are part of the William Brown Street conservation area,[1] and comprise one of the two open spaces within Liverpool's World Heritage Site.

The land sloped upwards to the east of the developing city and was exposed to the winds, making it a suitable site for windmills and for public lines to dry washing.

In 1749 the city's first General Infirmary was built on the site, followed by the Seaman's Hospital in 1752, a dispensary in 1778, and a lunatic asylum in 1789.

Industry also came to the site; in addition to windmills, there were rope works, potteries, a marble yard, and a row of lime kilns.

Its inscription records that Rathbone founded the district nursing movement, and the forerunners of the Universities of Liverpool and North Wales.

It was made by George Frampton, erected in 1907, and depicts a bronze figure holding a child, standing on a stone pedestal.

It is in white stone with a bronze wreath, and includes the figure of Britannia, military objects, standing soldiers, and a drummer boy.