Conscientious Objector graffiti in Richmond saved by lottery cash

Graffiti drawn on the walls of prison cells at Richmond Castle by 16 men who refused to participate in the First World War will be saved thanks to Lottery funding of more than £350,000.

Known as 'conchys', conscientious objectors were people who refused to fight in the war on moral grounds. Often they were conscripted into the army despite their views, and were sent to prison for failing to obey orders.

The walls are covered with hundreds of pencil drawings and inscriptions, including political slogans, religious hymns, poetry and portraits of loved ones.