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
Investigating South Tyneside womens' roles in the First World War
Women’s Health in South Tyneside spent a year discovering the profound role women playing during the First World War in their area.
Projects
Reflections On The Somme
Reflections On The Somme, developed and led by young people, will explore perspectives of soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
Projects
Food production in the Vale during the First World War
Community groups and university partners came together to explore how the First World War was won in the market gardens of Worcestershire as well as on the battlefield.
Projects
The Snowdonia and Anglesey Scouts and the First World War
1st Menai Bridge Scout Group are running a two-year project in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the closure of several local scout groups as their leaders and many scouts went to fight in the First World War.
Projects
Black on Both Sides: The Black British and Colonial Contribution to WW1
Young people from British African and Caribbean backgrounds looked at the role of black people who served on behalf of both the Allied and Central powers during the First World War.
Projects
Lest We Forget
Refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow explored the experiences of Belgian refugees during the First World War.
Projects
Peckham War Horse Project
Communities from Peckham came together to recreate a photograph of war horses destined for the Western Front.
Projects
World War One: a Valleys View
Young people and communities from the Welsh Valleys uncovered the experiences of Welsh soldiers during the First World War and created digital animations.
Projects
Womens' Work: Sharing the stories of Birmingham factory women
Women from Small Heath, Birmingham came together to learn more about the little-known story of female factory workers in the First World War.
Projects
Invisible histories from the First World War
Exploring the history of people who objected to fighting in the First World War and telling their stories through an exhibition and educational resources.
Projects
Brothers Behind Bars: HMP Low Moss explores the experiences of the Great War's conscientious objectors
A group of prisoners attending the Learning Centre at HMP Low Moss explored stories of the First World War, and of those incarcerated as conscientious objectors, by using music, art, drama and creative writing.
Projects
'All The Nice Girls' - women in men's roles on stage 1914-1918
First World War LGBT project looking at the lives of women working on stage in male roles.