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
'Feeding the Nation': A Celebration of the Women's Land Army
Yorkshire Museum of Farming worked with volunteers to create an exhibition for their previously unseen Women’s Land Army Collection.
Projects
Tynemouth World War One Commemoration Project
Volunteers and local residents have gathered information on 1,700 local men from Tynemouth, all of whom died in the First World War.
News
Iconic First World War poet remembered at emotional event
News
First World War heroes remembered in mid-Wales village
Stories
Changing lives: Scout learns about terror of the trenches
Projects
Re-discovering Belton's Forgotten Gunners
Young people revealed the personal histories of Belton House Machine Gun Corps training camp.
Blogs
'My Dearest Mother': A Valleys View of the First World War
Blogs
An Explorer's trip to Cardiff
News
Reflecting on HLF’s Remembrance Week event in Wales
News
Pembrokeshire’s young people explore the First World War through soldier’s poignant handwritten letters
News
Today’s Scouts unearth story of Anglesey Scout war hero from 100 years ago
Blogs