A Higher Purpose: Newcastle University at War (WWI)

A Higher Purpose: Newcastle University at War is an online digital exhibition that uncovers how the First World War impacted on the University, through the use of original photographs and documents from the University Archives. Find out how the war impacted on students, staff and buildings around campus, with some buildings accommodating the First Northern General Hospital to aid injured servicemen. The exhibition also focuses on; the work of Professor Charles Frederick Pybus (1883-1975), who among many of his achievements, was a distinguished surgeon at the First Northern General Hospital, in addition to the Universities at War Project's digital resource (a digital memory book to tell the stories of the fallen associated with students, alumni and staff at Newcastle and Durham Universities).

This online exhibition was based on an exhibition display in the Philip Robinson Library in 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Online exhibition open to the public.

If you find an item you would like to consult from this online exhibition in the Special Collections reading room in the Philip Robinson Library, simply make a note of the reference number and title of the item(s) you are interested in and place an order by linking to our Request Form.

This is a description of an online resource . Online Resources are websites that describe, interpret and provide access to archives. They often provide access to digital content but they may also describe physical materials. They usually cover a theme or topic, such as an individual, a movement, or an important historical event.

Access this resource online: http://speccollstories.ncl.ac.uk/Newcastle-University-at-War/

You may also be interested in more photographs of staff and students at the First Northern General Hospital on CollectionsCaptured as well as more photographs from the University Archives.

In November 2018's Treasure of the Month, find out more about Thomas Baker Brown, a local Tommy soldier) born in Tynemouth who served in France during the First World War, who was awarded the Military Cross for his heroism and bravery and who was taken a prisoner of war.

Also, find out more about Professor Pybus and the origins or Lucozade in October 2013's Treasure of the Month.

We hope this online resource will be of use to students and researchers interested in the role of Newcastle University during World War and the stories behind the fallen staff, students and alumni of Newcastle and Durham University.