This collection contains papers relating to William Varley a conscientious objector from York. The collection includes postcards, letters and other correspondence relating to his imprisonment for objection against conscription as well as newspaper cuttings relating to the death of another conscientious objector and Varley himself. Also includes a pamphlet entitled 'Sonnets from Prison'.
Records of William Varley
Archive Collection
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- Bookmark:http://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb192-var
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- ReferenceGB 192 VAR
- Dates of Creation1916-1918
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description1 file
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
William Varley was a quaker and conscientious objector from New Earswick, York. He refused to join the Army Reserve where men were conscripted under the Military Service Act of 1916. He was later sent to prison to serve a sentence for disobeying the command of his Superior Officer when ordered to put on a uniform. While in prison he continued to campaign for the rights of conscientious objectors. In November of 1916 William Varley accepted work of national importance and left prison to do this in January 1917.
Access Information
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Other Finding Aids
More detailed finding aids for this collection can be found online by searching the Explore website ( www.exploreyork.org.uk)
Archivist's Note
Compiled by Francesca Taylor, Community Collections Assistant, April 2015.
Conditions Governing Use
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