In the last 12 months, the staff and volunteers at Ickworth House have worked diligently to build up a vast amount of knowledge on Ickworth and the Great War. Driven by enthusiasm for what they had begun to uncover, the research team developed the project to highlight the impact of the First World War on the individuals, families and local communities of Ickworth in rural Suffolk. There are several stories of families within the Ickworth cum Horringer community that provide a glimpse of the tragedy and loss that was suffered in the Great War, and the joy for those who returned to their families.

[quote=Robyn Llewellyn, Head of the HLF East of England]"Thanks to National Lottery players, Ickworth and the Great War will encourage people to learn more about how this period in our history changed the future of Ickworth, Suffolk and beyond."[/quote]

Now, thanks to an HLF grant of £10,000, this exciting project will reveal the local stories of these families.

The project will culminate in the creation of a walking trail within the Ickworth Estate and House, reflecting on stories and memories of local people. The trail will link the people of Ickworth with the places they lived and worked, giving visitors the experience of walking in the footprints of those alive during the war period. Photographs, letter extracts and press articles will be shown at specific locations, and previously unseen, yet poignant keepsakes will present an intimate portrait of Ickworth during the War.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of the HLF East of England, said: “The First World War changed the face of modern history, touching the lives of everyone in this country. HLF provides grants to a variety of First World War projects which will create a deeper understanding of the heritage of the conflict, and commemorate the upcoming centenary. Thanks to National Lottery players, Ickworth and the Great War will encourage people to learn more about how this period in our history changed the future of Ickworth, Suffolk and beyond."

Apply for funding for your First World War project

It is important that we remember and understand the impact of the First World War 100 years on. HLF is encouraging groups across the East of England to apply for funding so they can explore some of the many ways in which it impacted on their communities.

The money is available through HLF’s community grants programme First World War: then and now. £4million is available in 2016, as grants between £3,000 to £10,000.