First World War Centenary
99% of people who took part in a First World Wa Centenary project said they had increased their knowledge and understanding of the war.
"It has broadened my understanding of the First World War both at home and abroad. It has made me look in directions I would not have thought about."
Communities leading the way
The National Lottery enabled people to explore wide-ranging aspects of the conflict. This included:
- stories behind the names on war memorials and of those conscripted to serve
- life on the home front
- the changing role of women
- conscientious objectors and dissent
- developments in medical care
- the contribution of diverse Commonwealth, cultural and faith communities to the conflict
People shared these stories through publications, exhibitions, films, drama and social media. Our #OneCentenary100Stories campaign features 100 of these fascinating stories of the First World War.
The national picture
Together, we conserved important First World War heritage and made it accessible, including:
- HMS Caroline in Belfast
- the cells in Richmond Castle, which held conscientious objectors
- a B-Type London bus used on the Western Front
- Yr Ysgwrn, the poet Hedd Wyn’s home in Snowdonia
Funding for First World War projects after the Centenary
You can still apply for projects exploring the First World War and its impact through the National Lottery Grants for Heritage.
Projects
Forgotten Faces of the First World War: The Chinese Labour Corps
The Meridian Society and documentary filmmaker Peng Wenlan collected oral histories for a documentary about the Chinese men who worked as labourers on the Western Front during the First World War.
Projects
Charing parish during the First World War
Local volunteers and school children investigated the impact of the First World War on the people of Charing and shared their research through exhibitions, open days and online.
News
A new chapter for the Lord Leycester Hospital
Projects
100 years and still serving: a centenary heritage project
A group of blind and visually impaired Derbyshire residents explored the history of the First World War and created a piece of tactile artwork.
News
The Poppy story goes on the road
Publications
First World War Centenary activity evaluation
Projects
Diary of a Dude: Bringing Jack Pulman's First World War Diary to Life
This project explores the diary of Jack Pulman, a first-hand account of life as an overseas serviceman during the First World War.
Projects
The preservation of the Melton Old Church collection of WW1 grave markers
This project focused on conserving Melton Old Church’s nationally important collection of 10 First World War grave markers while helping people connect with the heritage of the village during the conflict.
Projects
No Man’s Land – young people uncover women’s viewpoints on the First World War
By exploring beyond nursing, young people from Bradford have discovered the range of women’s experiences and contributions in the First World War to create an inspiring publication.
Projects
In her footsteps: discovering Suffragettes in the North East
Women who live in the North East explore their region's incredible connection to the First World War and Suffrage movement.
Projects
Basildon and the Somme
Local people investigated how the conflict in Europe affected the community of Basildon in 1916.
Projects
Finding Ella Harling
The diaries of a wartime teenager were returned to her village community so they could discover her story.