Location: Brancepeth

Type: Community and volunteer project

Brancepeth’s First World War centenary project 2014 – 2015

We will be encouraging and facilitating research by local people of all ages into aspects of life in the area during World War One, the impact of the war on Brancepeth village, and what their own families were doing 100 years ago. Work on collecting information and how to undertake research began with a talk in the village hall by staff from the Durham County Record Office, and will continue during 2014 and 2015. All the information gathered will be recorded in the village’s computerised archives.

The first stage has been completed – the publication of a booklet entitled “They died for their country – Men of Brancepeth and their Memorials”. This also incorporates information about men who worked at Wooley Colliery and who died as a result of the war. An exhibition accompanied the launch. The book is available to purchase – £5.00 plus p & p.

During the war, Brancepeth Castle, near Durham City, served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Over the weekend of September 11th, 12th and 13th 2015 the Castle will host a major exhibition, incorporating the research undertaken, and enabling people to visualise the Castle as a hospital during World War One and giving local people a better understanding of what wartime life was like for residents. A booklet incorporating much of this information will be published before the end of 2015.

All the information gathered will also be recorded in the village’s computerised archives, and so will be available for research and for future generations.

Members of Brancepeth Archives and History Group are now searching for photographs, documents, letters and memorabilia to illustrate how local people came together and the sacrifices families made and would be delighted to hear from anyone with any information.

Brancepeth Archives are looking for information about anyone who might have lived or worked in the village around the World War One period, or who might have been a patient or worked at the Castle when it was a hospital.
We would love to hear from anyone who has any knowledge, photos, family stories etc.

Archives group secretary Vivienne Lowe said: “We hope the various events and activities will enable people from the village and surrounding area to come together to preserve the memories and heritage of those who lived through the First World War”.

Support for this project

 
This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Contact

 
Brancepeth Archives and History Group
Tel: 0191 378 0974
e-mail: [email protected]