Documents reveal how Leeds folk stepped in to give refugees a home

Historic documents revealing how a Leeds market town embraced refugees fleeing the horrors of war-torn Europe will go on display in a new exhibition this month.

The century-old collection, which will be displayed for the first time at Leeds City Museum, paints a heart-warming picture of how the residents of Otley rallied round to give Belgian refugees a home in Yorkshire while their native land was decimated by the First World War.

On loan from West Yorkshire Archive Service, the documents are one part of the museum's thought-provoking exhibition entitled A City and its Welcome: Three Centuries of Migrating to Leeds.

Along with a huge selection of fascinating stories from the city’s history, the exhibition will rediscover the events of October 1914, when members of the local council in Otley resolved to welcome around 30 Belgians forced from their homeland by battle.

Quickly forming the Otley Belgian Hospitality Committee to ensure the town was prepared, the council sent leaflets to residents appealing for help and before long three houses had been identified and outfitted with furniture, all donated by local people.

A moving description of the committee and its activities, drafted at the time is included in the collection.

It says: “How the terrible ravages of the enemy compelled thousands of the country-men of gallant Belgium to leave their native land for the shores of England is known to everyone.”

Describing the arrival of the first refugees, who were among around 250,000 who came to the UK, it adds: “In spite of the pouring rain hundreds of people assembled at the Otley railway station to welcome the guests and after the latter had been provided with a good meal they were taken to their new homes.”

Also included in the collection of documents are luggage labels and information given to the newly-arrived refugees alongside lists of the many household items like mattresses and furniture donated by Otley folk. The town also provided food and jobs.

The tale of Otley’s Belgian immigrants is just one of an impressive array of exhibits exploring the many cultures which are part of the heritage of modern day Leeds.

Ruth Martin, Leeds City Museum’s curator of exhibitions, has spent months bringing the collection together and hearing the stories of those who have made a life in Leeds.

She said: “The warm welcome which Otley gave to its Belgian refugees gives us some insight into the radically different ways public perception of immigrants and refugees has fluctuated over the years and the contrasting challenges people travelling to Leeds have faced as they began their new life in a strange country.

“What’s certain is that history of Leeds has been enriched by those who have come here from all across world, some fleeing famine, war or persecution and others in search of work and opportunity.

“Each of them has played their part in shaping the city we know today and has left a lasting legacy which we can see all around us in our modern culture and communities.”

Also included in the exhibition, which opens on July 12, are pieces drawn from the city’s Irish, Jewish, Caribbean, Sikh and Muslim communities, some focussing on colourful events like the Leeds West Indian Carnival and others examining personal and individual stories.

The exhibition is one of a number of projects taking place at the museum this year telling stories of migration in Leeds and the impact is has had on the city.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Modern Leeds is a diverse and eclectic city which embraces and celebrates the many different cultures which call it home.

“Becoming that cosmopolitan place has been a long and fascinating journey which has seen those who have come from abroad to make a home here overcome some huge individual and collective challenges and accomplish remarkable things.

“In doing so, they have become a part of our heritage and history, making a lasting and indelible impact on Leeds and its culture.”

A City and its Welcome: Three Centuries of Migrating to Leeds will be at Leeds City Museum from July 12 until January, 2020.

For more details, please visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/leedscitymuseum/leeds-migration-stories

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

About Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH

www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum

0113 378 5001

FREE admission

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: LeedsCityMuseum

Leeds City Museum was established in 1819 and reopened on 13 September 2008, having moved to the former Mechanics’ Institute located on Millennium Square in the centre of Leeds. With four floors and six galleries to visit, the museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all the family. The museum collection spans ancient and contemporary history, the local area and the wider world. The museum’s temporary exhibition space hosts a changing programme of exhibitions.

The museum was named winner of the Kids in Museums ‘Family Friendly Museum of the Year 2018’. Family activities and school holiday events take place throughout the year including craft sessions at Rory’s Saturday Club, Tiny Tigers for under 5s and Museum Minis. The museum has dedicated conference and events spaces, with in-house catering provided by Leeds City Museum Café.