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.
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.
The Poppy story goes on the road
First World War Centenary activity evaluation, February 2019
Ally Pally reopens theatre doors after 80 years
What has the First World War Centenary meant for communities?
What heritage means to me: Dr Robert Whan
Crime on the homefront: policing Bishop's Stortford during the First World War
The issue of crime on the home front has often been neglected. This project will focus on the impact of the First World War on crime in Bishop's Stortford and surrounding areas.
Degrees of Separation, Barnstaple
Primary and secondary school children engaged with the stories of local soldiers during the First World War through workshops with local museums and an artist, culminating in an exhibition and open day event for the wider community.
Discover Shipwrecks of the River Humber Area
Shipwrecks of the River Humber tells the untold story of Grimsby’s fisherman who went out on trawlers during the First World War.
The Empire needs men
Narrative Eye helped London community groups research how people from Africa and the Caribbean contributed to the First World War.
Industrial railway trail - display track and viewing area
The construction of a demonstration light railway has preserved vital engineering skills, and helped young people get in touch with their heritage.
The impact on the people of Portsmouth of the Battle of Jutland
Communities from Portsmouth traced the stories of the sailors from the naval city of Portsmouth lost in the Battle of Jutland.