大象传媒

In 1913, Richmond was popular with soldiers visiting the pubs in the area. There was a lot of drinking on Friday nights. But by July 1914, three thousand more men had poured into the town.

With the influx of so many young people into the area the local newspaper ran the headline, 鈥淟ively times for Richmond鈥�.

There was a lack of official military accommodation for them so many ended up staying in places such as the Town Hall Hotel, which remains a popular drinking spot with visitors from Catterick Garrison.

The North East soldiers staying there gave the land lady a purse as a thank you.

For many, this would have been their first time away from home. The men who had signed up in 1914 would not have known what awaited them after they boarded the trains here to go to France.

Location: Town Hall Hotel, Richmond, Tees DL10 4QL
Image shows soldiers on parade in 1914 Richmond contrasting with the area today
Image courtesy of The Green Howards Museum