As the Museum of Richmond's popular First World War exhibition - 1914 to 1918 Richmond at Home and at War - approaches its final month, historian Dr Christ Kempshall will discuss two topics linked closely to the war.

Recruitment is first on the agenda and its format in 1914 was unlike the modern day and not instantaneous.

World War I began on August 4 and it was not until after the Battle of Mons, the first major battle, that recruitment soared.

Focusing on the topic of conscientious objection, Dr Kempshall will talk about the number of British men who refused to be posted abroad on the grounds of their conscience.

A total of 16,500 men refused conscription for this very reason, with 1,300 men imprisoned, including Bertrand Russell who live at Pembroke Lodge, as a result of their military tribunal.

  • Recruitment and conscientious objection - a talk by WWI historian Dr Chris Kempshall; Museum of Richmond, Old Town Old, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond; April 1, 2pm; £2 recommended donation; to book a place, call 020 8332 1141 or email museumofrichmond@btconnect.com.