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On 6 August 1914, following the outbreak of war, the buildings of Armstrong College – the historic heart of Newcastle University – were requisitioned to house the 1st Northern General Hospital.

The College was unable to use the buildings for teaching purposes until October 1919.

College of Durham University, which is also located in Newcastle, was largely left untouched in order for it to concentrate on training much needed doctors for the war effort. It did, however, provide accommodation for some of the displaced departments of Armstrong College.

Other teaching continued at places like the Quaker Meeting House in Pilgrim Street and at the famous Lit and Phil Library.

By 1917, there were more than 1,200 beds at the hospital and by the end of the war nearly 42,000 men had been patients there.

Location: Armstrong College, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU
Image: Armstrong College during the war, courtesy of Newcastle University