Wykeham St, Scarborough: Propaganda House

Available for over a year

The dramatic photograph of the devastation of 2 Wykeham street, Scarborough has become one of the iconic images of World War One. There was national outrage following the shelling of Scarborough on 16 December 1914, which was the first bombardment on home soil resulting in deaths. The photograph of the Bennett’s family home became part of a force’s recruitment drive. Four people died in the house, including two children. One of those killed was Albert Bennett, who became the first serviceman to be injured in an attack on English mainline, and subsequently died of his injuries. First-hand accounts from his brother Christopher who survived and a neighbour were reported in the following week’s Scarborough Pictorial newspaper. The house was later rebuilt, and is still used as a residence today. Location: 2 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 7SB Image shows damage to the house Photograph courtesy of Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre Presented by BBC Reporter, Jonathan Cowap