Schoolgirls return to wartime castle 80 years on

It was judged too dangerous for the school to continue in Newcastle

Sixteen women who were evacuated to a castle during World War Two have returned there for a reunion.

The former Church High School in Newcastle moved into Alnwick Castle in Northumberland from 1940 to 1944.

The last of the evacuee schoolgirls left 80 years ago this year and a reunion is being held to mark the anniversary.

Daniel Watkins, education officer at Alnwick Castle, said: "We so hope they enjoyed sharing memories and stories."

Alnwick Castle was completely run by the staff from the school

In 1939, Church High School in Newcastle had 220 boarders and day pupils, but it was judged too dangerous for them to stay in the city.

The castle owners stepped in to offer a new base for the pupils.

With one son, the 9th Duke of Northumberland, killed in the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940 and another, the 10th Duke, away serving, Duchess Helen moved to nearby Lesbury so the school could use her castle.

"We hoped to hold an anniversary in 2020, but with Covid it was difficult, so it's great we've finally been able to rearrange," Mr Watkins said, adding: "Some of them haven't seen the castle since leaving school in the 1940s."

(Front row L-R) Helen Longfield, Valerie Steele, Audrey Marks and (back row L-R) Joyce McDougle, Lorna Teesdale, Eva Thompson, Anne Walton

The former schoolgirls shared afternoon tea at the castle and enjoyed a performance of music from their schooldays.

A table was set up for the women to bring items from their schooldays, such as photographs and old uniforms. It proved so popular a second table had to be brought out.

They also recreated photographs which were originally taken when the girls were evacuated to the castle.

"It's very moving," Catherine Neil, head of visitor education at Alnwick Castle, said.

She said: "I met a lady this morning who had been here as an evacuee and came back when it was a teacher training college - and she met her husband here.

"It's a wonderful occasion and I am thrilled we have been able to bring them together."