Dr Stefan Manz (Aston University) and a team of researchers are working with Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council to develop research into the Stobs internment camp for 'enemy aliens' which was established near Hawick in Scotland during the First World War.
During the First World War, the Stobs military training ground near Hawick was used as a mass internment facility for 4,500 prisoners. These consisted of German civilian ‘enemy aliens’ from across Britain and its Empire, and military Prisoners of War taken from European battlefields. Stobs was one of the biggest camps in the British Empire and parent camp for a network of further facilities across Scotland and Northern England. Although currently in disrepair and usually not publicly accessible, the site gives a unique insight into the workings of an internment camp.
The project team will be running a free public study weekend on 18-19 June 2016 where participants will have the opportunity to learn about the local, national and global significance of Stobs and Hawick during World War I.
- Listen and talk to experts who have conducted extensive research on Stobs and other camps around the world.
- Join up with the experts to interpret camp artefacts and texts on display. If you have any items in your possession, please bring these along.
- Join an excursion to the site with the Scottish Borders Council archaeology officer. Current plans involve excavation, improved accessibility, and information.
Download the full programme here.
To secure a place, please email archives@liveborders1.org.uk or phone 01450 360 699.
Academic contact: Dr Stefan Manz, S.Manz@aston.ac.uk
The event is jointly organised by Aston University, Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council – Gateways to the First World War.
