Kings' School students raise money for World War One Morn Hill project

The pupils have learnt about the Morn Hill Army Camps – said to be the largest in England – through which two million soldiers passed on their way to the frontline.

They are now putting together their own 10-panel exhibition based on their visit to the battlefields and military cemeteries at Ypres and research into the journeys made by soldiers from Morn Hill to the front line.

The pupils donated £1,000 to the project, which was raised at school through non-uniform days, sales and other events.

History teacher Katherine Wilde said the pupils had been involved with the Morn Hill project since last October and were fascinated by their research.

She said: “It is about local history and learning about their local connections and the importance of Winchester during the war. They have learned how to put together an exhibition, plan how to work as a team to put together a professional exhibition and use archive material.

“You don’t have the chance to do that in an ordinary history lesson.”

Emily Baker, 13, from Hursley said: “I have really enjoyed learning about local history and it has been really fun meeting new people who are involved.”

Hannah Birch, 14, from Chandler’s Ford, said: “I found putting together the panels exciting as it was really interesting and has taught me a lot about the surrounding areas of Winchester.”

Local historian Tony Dowland, who has researched Winchester’s Morn Hill legacy, has been working with the students.

The Morn Hill Project is chaired by David Harrison, who is County President of the Royal British Legion.

He said: “This is a very generous donation by the Kings’ pupils and we are very grateful to them. It is good that the young people of today are helping remember those who gave their lives in the Great War to ensure our freedom.”

The Morn Hill project aims to mark Winchester’s place in First World War history and honour a promise made to the soldiers.