100 years ago

A telegram to the “Matin” stated during the last few days detachments of German prisoners from the camps at Boutheon (Loire) and at St Genest Serpt (near St Etienne) had arrived in Auvergne where they were working draining the marshes.

The sojourn of the prisoners in France, added the “Matin and the idleness of their captivity appeared to have had a very beneficial effect upon their health and they were all very fit. The prisoners were divided into two classes - youths of 17 to 25 who were full of insubordination, and veterans who appeared completely demoralised.

 

50 years ago

Talks would be held in London tonight on a proposal to build a new bridge across the Humber. A deputation from the Humber Bridge Board, consisting of nine members of the Board, three officials and the consulting engineer, would visit the House of Commons to meet 12 Yorkshire and Lincolnshire MPs whose constituencies would be affected.

The deputation wanted to put their case for a bridge across the Humber near Hull before approaching the Minister of Transport.

 

25 years ago

York’s newest tourist attraction was launched today on a tidal wave of optimism. Organisers claimed the ARC, Britain’s first purpose-built Archaeological Research Centre, was a unique attraction, which could rival the Jorvik Viking Centre.

York Archaeological Trust director Peter Addyman said: “This is a new tourist attraction and an educational attraction. It is exactly what the National Curriculum Council was asking for. It is the practical experience of medieval evidence.”

The ARC, in St Saviourgate, York, gave visitors a chance to explore the whole experience of archaeology, with visitors watching archaeological researchers working behind glass-fronted offices.