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
Exploring our heroes - the impact of World War 1 on the people of Havant
Outside their lesson time, a group of students investigated the lives of people from Havant during the First World War and created a film, website and book.
Projects
Herts at War 1914-1918
Communities across Hertfordshire explored their county’s experience of the First World War, engaging the public by creating an exhibition and website.
Projects
VAD indexes online: personnel records of First World War volunteers
This project created an online database of records held by the British Red Cross on volunteers during the First World War.
Projects
Galsworthy and Human Battles on the Home Front
Volunteers helped to create an audio-visual exhibition exploring local historical figure John Galsworthy’s role in the First World War and his legacy in Kingston.
Projects
Gas Girls: women workers in Avonmouth First World War Mustard Gas factories
Inspired by the stories of women who worked in Mustard Gas factories in Bristol during the First World War, local people researched this hidden history and performed a play.
Projects
Killyleagh Remembers: sharing local Catholic and Protestant stories of war
Catholic and Protestant communities were brought together in this project investigating the impact of the First World War on the local area.
Projects
Commemorating the First World War's Indian Army troops in Lancashire
Young people from Brierfield and Nelson in Lancashire explored the role of their local community and the Indian Army in the First World War.
Projects
Newcastle Remembers
Community films and exhibitions uncovered a wartime story and reconnected local people with their museum
Projects
Dig for Victory - A Growing Legacy
Inspired by the Dig for Victory Campaign of 1917, adult learners from Scotland’s Rural College designed and built a First World War allotment.
Projects
'Gone but not forgotten' - remembering those from Petersfield affected by the First World War
Petersfield Museum used the medium of dance to tell the stories of Hampshire residents in the First World War.
Projects
Heaton Avenues in Wartime
Heaton Avenues in Wartime uncovered 10 hidden stories of local residents during the First World War.
Projects
Interpreting Wilfred Owen's view of life in the trenches
Young people in Wythenshawe worked with their local community housing group to learn about Wilfred Owen, a First World War poet who posthumously won the Military Cross.