Protesting the Wars: Cell Block Graffiti at Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle is famous for housing prisoners. Over 1,000 individuals were imprisoned there from the late 19th century until the 1960s, leaving over 2,000 inscriptions.

Kevin Booth's talk will look closely at the graffiti from the absolutist conscientious objectors - men who refused to fight on grounds of conscience during the First World War - sharing their emotions and experiences. He will also explore the more playful and boisterous record left by prisoners, guards and others who gained access to the building during the Second World War.

Kevin Booth is a professional archaeologist and Senior Curator at English Heritage, responsible for 250,000 objects and 37 museum displays across the north of England.