PNE Archives

Collective Memory Of Exile & Resettlement in Northern England

Polonia Northern England (PNE) has a specific mission:

“Saving Memories of the post WW2 Polish Communities (Polonia) in Exile in Northern England”

PNE archives are dedicated to safeguarding local heritage materials and ensuring they are accessible to the public. Their primary mission includes supporting educational initiatives and fostering community involvement.

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Preserving Local Heritage Materials

PNE archives are dedicated to the preservation and accessibility of local heritage materials, thereby supporting educational initiatives and fostering community engagement. These archives empower communities to self-represent and reclaim their histories, particularly those that have been marginalized. They promote inclusivity, social responsibility, and community building by providing spaces for the sharing of stories, collaboration, and the strengthening of collective memory in alignment with community values and needs.

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Our Story

Polonia Northern England: A Unique Collection

Polonia Northern England stands out in the region due to its distinctive records, which document lesser-known histories from both before and after World War II. The archives shed light on the experiences of a refugee community living in Exile, providing valuable insight into their journey and resilience. This exclusive collection encompasses a diverse range of materials, including photographs, personal papers, military documents, biographies, event programmes, and traditional costumes. Together, these items illuminate the stories of forced deportations to gulags, arduous journeys spanning three continents, involvement in pivotal battles for European freedom, life in refugee camps situated within British colonies, and eventual resettlement in Northern England after the war. In addition, the archives hold records pertaining to descendants and missionaries who offered support to the exiled community and its descendants.

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Project Goals and Future Directions

The principal aim of the current project is to undertake a thorough review of the archive.

Assessing

This involves assessing the state of the collection, evaluating its physical and intellectual accessibility, and identifying its main subject areas.

Preserving

Such a review will inform future efforts in cataloguing, preserving, and sharing the collection with the wider public.

Reconnect

Ultimately, the charity aspires to reconnect these hidden yet significant records with residents, schools, researchers, and heritage organisations across the UK.

Valuable Resource For Learning

Bringing Forgotten Heritage to Light

This initiative represents the first step in reviving this overlooked heritage and bringing it to public attention.

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By closely examining what has been preserved and considering how best to protect it, the project seeks to transform this concealed history into a valuable resource for learning, research, and healing.

As the contents of the collection are explored, the charity anticipates an exciting journey of discovery. They look forward to using the archives to engage the community and support educational endeavours and are keen to share these remarkable documents with a broader audience.

History Timeline
Deportation Exile Resettlement

Click here to download timeline 

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Grants and Funding

Securing Support for the Future

To ensure the proper cataloguing and accessibility of this significant resource, PNE will seek grants and funding. This support will help open the collection for the benefit of all communities, allowing more people to learn from and connect with the shared history preserved within the archives.
Reviews

What People Say
About Us

I lived in Manchester in the 1960s among the Polish community, and one of my friends was Polish. I never knew about the history of the Polish heroes who contributed to the freedom of Britain, nor did I know about the deportation, exile, and reasons behind resettlement. This is a missing part of WWII history education. I support Polonia Northern England’s educational goals.
Norbert
The generation that resettled after WWII is now diminished in number, with only those who arrived as children or young adults remaining alive. I’m delighted that someone has started to save and gather their history and memories, as there is an urgent need to do this quickly.
Barbara
Like thousands of others, my parents arrived after the war to resettle in Britain. They were never given the opportunity to tell their story, but they kept photographs and documents that show the extent of their traumatic journey. I’m pleased that Polonia Northern England is preserving these memories; otherwise, this history may be forgotten.
Krystyna
My parents, who arrived to resettle, felt betrayed because no one knew the extent of their suffering. They were deported from their beautiful villages in Eastern Poland and spent their post-war lives working in the dark, noisy northern mills. I’m very pleased that there will be opportunities to share these stories, and I support this project.
Adam
I arrived in Manchester in the 1970s to provide special support for the Polish community in exile. They shared their memories of WWII atrocities and the circumstances that led them to live in exile in Great Britain. It is important to safeguard this history. I support Polonia Northern England’s work to save and preserve these memories.
Rev. J
I’m excited to hear about the work to preserve the WWII and resettlement history of ex-combatants and civilians in Northern England. Communities can become divided, and it is important to understand and share local history to build and strengthen the community. I’m keen to become involved in this project.
Stefan
My father was born in Eastern Poland and he was a soldier in General Anders Army. He never spoke about the war. My parents weren't members of Polish clubs and I didn't go to Polish Saturday School, but our home was a little Poland. We spoke Polish, we ate Polish home cooked food, we played Polish records and we read Polish newspapers. Some people say I'm not Polish but I have Polish roots. I'm happy that Polonia Northern England is building collective and inclusive memory of the exiled community and their descendants.
Helena
My grandparents were deported from Eastern Poland and lived in Lancashire after WW2. I enjoyed attending Polish Saturday School in the 1990s. There was an understanding of the learning needs of our bicultural generation. This changed in 2012 when new Saturday Schools established for children of economic migrants from Poland. When I enrolled my young daughter, I was questioned as to why she needs to learn Polish when her first language is English. I was told she's not really Polish. Perhaps there was little awareness of exile and biculturalism. My Polish family worked hard and integrated in Lancashire, whilst upholding Polish culture and values. I support saving these special memories of Polonia in exile and the memories of their descendants
Renata

Working Supporters

Fusiliers Museum Bury, Manchester Council Libraries and Local Histories, Bury Council Libraries and Local Histories, Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum London.

Members

Polonia Northern England (PNE) is a member of Community Archives and Heritage Group, Manchester Community Central, Bury Voluntary Community and Faith Alliance.