Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire: Defying Law of the Land

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The prison cells at Richmond Castle were used to hold conscientious objectors. Some of the graffiti is by the men who were imprisoned there during World War One. They drew religious pictures and political slogans on the walls in pencil. ‘The Richmond Sixteen’ refused to do anything which could be perceived as continuing the war. They were known as ‘absolutists’ so they refused even non-combative roles such as driving ambulances. In May 1916 The Richmond Sixteen were taken to France, court martialled for refusing orders and sentenced to death. Being in an army camp in northern France meant they were defined as being on active service where capital punishment was issued if orders were disobeyed. Lord Kitchener, who had introduced conscription, had wanted them to be shot. He died suddenly and the death penalty was changed to ten years hard labour by the Prime Minister. Location: Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW Image: Presenter, Kevin Booth in a cell at the castle