The 'hidden' County Durham prisoner of war camp

Known officially as Working Camp 93, Harperley was a purpose-built camp constructed in 1943 for low-security prisoners of war.

It first housed Italian prisoners captured in North Africa, before becoming home to German prisoners from 1944.

Historic England describes the site as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Second World War prisoner-of-war work camp.

Built on requisitioned farmland at Craigside, overlooking Weardale and facing Hamsterley Forest across the valley, the camp was designed to hold up to around 1,400 men.

At its height, it included about 50 to 55 largely prefabricated buildings, including accommodation huts, kitchens, washrooms, administration spaces and workshops.

Harperley prisoner of war camp, by Sarah Caldecott

Why prisoners were held there

Harperley was not a high-security camp.

It was intended for prisoners regarded as a low risk and who could be employed on work needed to support the wartime economy.

Italian prisoners helped build the camp after arriving in County Durham.

They were subsequently employed locally, especially in agriculture, forestry and other labour-intensive work.

In September 1944, most Italian prisoners were moved to farms and hostels, allowing 716 German prisoners to arrive at Harperley.

Numbers at the camp later fluctuated between 426 and 899 German prisoners, according to Historic England’s records.

The camp became the headquarters for a wider group of associated prisoner hostels and satellite sites in the region, including locations at Bedburn, Lanchester, Consett, Hamsterley Hall and Windlestone Hall.

Harperley camp, by Sarah Caldecott

Life behind the wire

Harperley’s wartime history was more complex than its rows of utilitarian wooden huts might suggest.

The German prisoners produced a monthly newspaper called Der Quell — "The Source" — while a former professional musician named Enz organised a camp orchestra.

Prisoners also taught classes in subjects including English, physics, Latin and Russian.

In the kantine at Harperley, by Sarah Caldecott

As the war ended, some inmates were permitted to attend meetings and events outside the camp.

Historic England records that prisoners were able to use Durham University Library and attend political-studies lectures organised by Crook Workers’ Educational Association.

The comparative freedom reflected the camp’s status and the approach of its final commandant, Lieutenant Colonel George Kinnear Stobart.

Historic England says morale was generally good, helped by the commandant’s "liberal outlook" and the attitude of the local community.

Perhaps the most powerful surviving evidence of that daily life is the graffiti left by prisoners.

Former PoW Rudi Lux at Harperley shortly before he died in 2004. His ashes were buried beneath a Peace rose tree in the grounds (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

What happened after the war?

German prisoners began to be repatriated from late 1946.

By August 1947, eight former prisoners had been granted civilian status in Britain, with 34 more awaiting consideration.

Harperley’s role did not end immediately when the war did.

It was briefly used to house Polish refugees and later operated as a police hostel, before returning to private ownership and agricultural use.

The camp has been in private ownership since 2001.