Harperley POW Camp 93, has been a feature on the Durham landscape for over 80 years, the site, home to Italian and German soldiers who were interned as POW during WW2. This unique site has been closed to the public for over twenty years until now, when we can offer you the chance to see for yourself this unique and special part of our history and heritage. The camp, was the only one in existance to have a purpose built theatre, which has been preserved to save it from the elements, alongside the "Kanteen" that hosts the original paintings that the interns applied directly to the walls, these are extraordinary works of art that need to be seen to be appreciated. Imagine what life was like back in the 1940s when you were in a foreign country and had to make the best of it. Those staying at Camp 93 sure seemed to know how to do that!

Restore The Hut Gardens

Wellbeing Project

Harperley Working Camp 93, may have been a prisoner of war camp throughout the second world war, but in reality, it was more like a place to live when the interns were not allowed to go home.  Such was the relaxed atmosphere, the prisoners worked in local farms and they enjoyed a huge variety of arts, crafts, culture, exercise and creativity. Very much as is the case today, their mental and physical health was a priority.

The camp, still standing 80 years later, despite only ever being designed to last for 5 years, is a living tribute to those who stayed there.  The purpose built theatre and "kanteen" saved from the elements over twenty years ago by grant funded repairs. 

The buildings, have stood the test of time, some of them better than others, but we at Focus On The North East Wellbeing CIC think that the site can continue to look after the mental and physical health of the local community in the same way that the camp looked after those of the interns all those years ago.  

One of the ways to do this is by gardening, a well known tool for wellbeing, we would love to restore the garden area outside the huts to its former glory, but we need your help to do so.

We have an archaeologist, a photographer and  Wellbeing facilitator all willing to give up their time for free to allow this project to take place, but we need the equipment and volunteers to make it happen.  

The equipment, plants and volunteer welfare facility is expected to cost £2051.  Please help us raise this by clicking on our crowdfunder page here