As the excitement builds towards our new exhibition opening, we whet the appetites of visitors on Sunday 22nd by showcasing a series of First World War stories researched and written by York University English students. They had been inspired by objects from the collection including a Tommy’s helmet and other equipment used in the trenches, along with a sneaky peek at the sort of things we will have on display in our new exhibition 1914: When the World Changed Forever. Filled with ideas, they came back with stories which they shared with the public throughout the day at the end of Kirkgate – a wonderful setting for such evocative stories.

From the recruitment of youngsters and the implications of being given a white feather, to a volunteer nurse’s diary entry and some emotional letters between sweethearts, the students gave us a variety of authentic tales told beautifully. Audio and video footage of the stories will soon be available via our website so even if you missed the vent itself, you can still enjoy the stories that were told.