Harperley P.O.W Camp looking West. January 2001


Harperley P.O.W Camp. Interior of the Theatre. January 2001


Low Harperley P.O.W Camp.Mess Hall, plywood and paint curtain. January 2001


Low Harperley P.O.W Camp. Mess Hall Wall Painting of Shepherd. January 2001


Low Harperley P.O.W Camp. Mess Hall, wall painting of a Stag. January 2001


Low Harperley P.O.W Camp. View looking South. January 2001


Low Harperley from the air. NMR. June 1999

Low Harperley prisoner of war camp. Built during WWII by Italian P.O.Ws in the early 1940s and used to house German pilots and soldiers during the allied invasion of Europe. The owner of the site who died in early 1999 did not take up Government grant offers following the war to return the site to farmland or forestery. Instead the site was used for storage. The site reputedly covers an area of some seven hectare and includes barrack huts, a chapel and theatre, some of which include wall paintings by German prisoners. (0)

A Second World War prisoner of war camp at Craigside, officially known as Working Camp 93. Laid out on requisitioned farmland, the camp was designed to house low security risk POWs. At first a few tents were put up on the eight acre site but when the first Italian prisoners captured in North Africa arrived they helped to erect a purpose built camp. This was established by January 1943 and consisted of around 50-55 buildings (many prefabricated). In September 1944, most of the Italians had dispersed to hostels and farms to make way for 716 German prisoners identified as low risk. German POWs were gradually repatriated from late 1946 but eight were granted civilian status in Britain by August 1947 with 34 waiting to be considered. The camp was then briefly used to house Polish refugees and as a police hostel. After the camp was returned to private ownership it was used for agricultural purposes; storage, poultry sheds and recently as a market garden. The camp retains 49 buildings as they stood in June 1946. There are 47 Ministry of War Supply Standard Huts and two smaller buildings, all retaining their roofs and most of their windows and doors. The camp was laid out either side of a concrete access road that runs south from the main road. A gridwork of concrete paths extends from this road and covers the camp. The outer fence appears to have been only chest high and the building located furthest down the hill may have been used as a chapel. The prisoner of war camp is visible on air photographs. (5) (21)