2019
Mannequins wearing Non-Combatant Corps uniform at Richmond Castle museum

RICHMOND CASTLE AND THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

We reveal how Richmond Castle became a base for the northern companies of the Non-Combatant Corps – a military unit for men who refused to serve during the First World War – and how you can find out more about their story at the castle’s new museum.

Richmond Castle base of the Non-Combatant Corps

NON-COMBATANT CORPS

In 1916, two years into the First World War, conscription was introduced. This meant that all single (and, later, married men) aged 18 to 41 had to join the army. However, not everyone agreed with the war. Some men refused to fight as it went against their conscience. These men were known as ‘conscientious objectors’. Many conscientious objectors were ordered to join a military unit called the Non-Combatant Corps (NCC).

Richmond Castle became a base for the northern companies of the NCC. Here, men could support the war without fighting or using weapons. Their duties were mainly labour, such as building, cleaning or loading supplies.

Richmond Castle cell wall portrait drawing by a conscientious objector

THE RICHMOND SIXTEEN

As punishment, those men who refused to be involved in the war at all could be imprisoned in the cold and damp cell block at the castle. While there, some drew and wrote on the cell walls. The graffiti they left behind range from portraits of loved ones to political and religious statements. 

Sixteen conscientious objectors from Richmond Castle faced the ultimate test of their beliefs when, in May 1916, they were sent to France. Once there, they were considered to be on active service and as a result could be shot for disobeying orders. 

In France, the Richmond Sixteen refused to move supplies, were put on trial and found guilty. Each was ‘sentenced to suffer death by being shot’, which, after a short pause, was changed to 10 years’ hard labour.

INSIDE THE CELLS

The walls of the cells at Richmond are covered with hundreds of pencil drawings and inscriptions, which give a unique insight into the conscientious objector movement. The graffiti includes political slogans, religious hymns, portraits of loved ones and even a few examples of dark humour.

Take a 360° tour of the cells to see them for yourself with this interactive video!

Artefacts at Richmond Castle permanent exhibition

THE INSIDE STORY

A new permanent exhibition at Richmond Castle tells the story of its people, history and now living heritage, from the 11th century Norman conquest to its occupation by the northern Non-Combatant Corps during the First World War. 

The new exhibition has a number of new objects on display as well as an interactive area for children, telling the stories of some of the castle’s most famous and less well known characters. Click on the objects featured in our gallery below to discover their stories.

White feather letter from 1916 from Richmond Castle exhibition

White feather letter, c.1916

White feather letter, c.1916

This is an incredibly rare survival of the type of letters presented to exempt men by women of the White Feather Campaign. The feather was a symbol of cowardice, used to shame men into enlisting into a combatant army role.



A caricature of a conscientious objector

‘Who’s afraid?’ postcard, c.1916

‘Who’s afraid?’ postcard, c.1916

An example of mass-produced First World War propaganda, illustrated by George Ernest Studdy. This artwork incorporates the potency of the white feather, a symbol of cowardice. Such material was intended to humiliate and stir up negative attitudes against conscientious objectors. 



Ceramic ‘Conchy’ figure caricature of a conscientious objector from 1916

Ceramic ‘Conchy’ figure, c.1916

Ceramic ‘Conchy’ figure, c.1916

A rare propaganda sculpture of a conscientious objector, manufactured by Birks, Rawlins & Co. Ltd. He is depicted as child-like and scruffy, and titled ‘Conchy’, a belittling term for a conscientious objector. How many were produced and for what exact purpose remains uncertain. 



General Service from 1908-18 uniform hat on mannequin from the Richmond Castle exhibition

General Service tunic and dress cap, 1905-18

General Service tunic and dress cap, 1905-18

The 1905 pattern tunic and cap was worn by the Non-Combatant Corps throughout the First World War. No original Non-Combatant Corps uniform is known to have survived. Here are original components of uniform badged with NCC titles, creating an authentic representation of the Non-Combatant Corps uniform. 



A satirical postcard criticising conscientious objectors from 1917

‘What a CO feels like’ postcard, 1917

‘What a CO feels like’ postcard, 1917

In response to the widespread pro-war propaganda, conscientious objectors and their supporters produced anti-propaganda material in an attempt to change public attitudes. This postcard was intended to express the beliefs of those who refused conscription. Artwork by conscientious objector George Peace Micklewright.



Mannequins wearing Non-Combatant Corps uniform at Richmond Castle museum

Photograph of Horace and Hilda Eaton, 1919

Photograph of Horace and Hilda Eaton, 1919

Private Horace Eaton was a conscientious objector who chose to serve in the Non-combatant Corps during the First World War. For a time he was barracked at Richmond Castle. This photograph was taken after the war on his wedding day in Bradford, 16th April 1919.   



James John Burchell’s application for exemption from tribunal, 1916

Application for exemption, 1916

Application for exemption, 1916

An exemption form submitted on the 29th February 1916 by conscientious objector James John Burchell, in response to the conscription deadline. James was subsequently enrolled in the Non-Combatant Corps at Richmond Castle, but refused to obey military orders and was imprisoned in the cell block.



Aerial view of Richmond Castle walls

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Originally built to subdue the unruly North of England, Richmond Castle is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. During a visit you can learn all about the castle’s past, including the conscientious objectors and the Non-Combatant Corps, in the new interactive exhibition before taking a peaceful stroll round the secluded Cockpit Garden and soaking up the breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales.

If you are in the area, it is possible to combine a visit to Richmond Castle with a day out at nearby Barnard Castle or Middleham Castle, the favourite childhood home of Richard III.

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