Belgian Refugees

Over 250,000 Belgians fled to Britain when Germany invaded Belgium.

Nantwich, Cheshire: Belgium House
Where Belgian refugees were housed
Letchworth, Hertfordshire: Belgian Munitions Factory
A diamond merchant who fled Belgium and built a munitions factory
New Earswick, York: King Albert’s Refugees
York soon became a refuge for Belgian citizens fleeing the conflict abroad
Exeter, Devon: The Inspiration Behind Poirot
Exeter welcomes Belgian refugees and inspires a Devon detective
Banwell, Somerset: Finding a Home From Home
Belgian families who sought sanctuary in Somerset
Earls Court, London: Belgian Refugee Centre
250,000 Belgian refugees came to England after the invasion
Birtley, Tyne and Wear: A Village for 6,000 Belgians
A specially constructed village that operated under Belgian law
Monaghan Town, Co Monaghan: Belgian Refugees Bring Embroidery Skills
Monaghan town was a refuge for Belgians fleeing German invasion in WW1.
Malvern, Worcestershire: Belgian Refugee Adopted By Locals
A local couple adopt the child of a Belgian refugee and a soldier from the Congo
St John's College, Oxford: Belgians Find Refuge
Belgian refugees fleeing the advance of the German army are welcomed to Oxford