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Harrogate school honours Victoria Cross heroes with new display

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 14:52

St Peter's Primary Headteacher Mr Griffiths and pupils unveil the school's new display.

A Harrogate primary school has honoured two of its most distinguished former pupils with a new tribute display.

St Peter’s CE Primary School in Harrogate, part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, marked Remembrance 2025 with a tribute to Donald Simpson Bell VC and Charles Hull VC.

Both men were awarded the Victoria Cross for their extraordinary bravery during the First World War, and their legacy continues to inspire the school community today.

This year, the school unveiled a new commemorative display surrounding the existing plaque that honours Bell and Hull.

Designed to engage and educate, the display features historical reflections and thoughtful contributions including a remembrance prayer

Headteacher Paul Griffiths said:

“It is a true privilege to lead St Peter’s - a school with such a rich and inspiring history.

“Recognising and honouring the legacy of our former pupils, Donald Bell and Charles Hull, is central to our identity.

“Their stories remind us of the values we hold dear and help us instil in our children a deep respect for the past.

“At the same time, we remain firmly focused on preparing our children for the future - helping them grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals who love, learn and shine in all they do.”

In the lead up to remembrance children took part in a range of remembrance activities, including selling poppies to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, writing prayers and learning about the lives of Bell and Hull.

The entire school also observed a two-minute silence.

Distinguished former pupils

Donald Simpson Bell was a professional footballer and teacher before becoming the first English footballer to enlist in WWI.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courageous actions in July 1916, when he single-handedly attacked and destroyed a German machine-gun post under heavy fire.

Charles Hull received his VC in 1915 after rescuing a wounded comrade under intense enemy fire - an act of selflessness and bravery that continues to resonate.

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