First World War Centenary

First World War Centenary

Four children with a man in First World War dress in front of a biplane
The Mersea Men project, Essex. Credit: Jeff Gilbert Photography
The First World War Centenary was a chance to understand the war, uncover its stories and explore what it means to us today. We funded projects across the UK that focused on the events of 1914–1918 and on the lasting changes the war brought about.

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:

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.

Student Holly Patrick, presenter of the Havant’s Heroes film at the grave of Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, one of the soldiers featured in the film
Student Holly Patrick, presenter of the Havant’s Heroes film at the grave of Sir Frederick Fitzwygram, one of the soldiers featured in the film

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.

First World War archive material including medals and photographs
Archive material from the Herts at War project

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.

Visitors listening to the audio tour at the John Galsworthy exhibition
Visitors listening to the audio tour at the John Galsworthy exhibition

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.

A woman stands by four pull up displays, a model uniform on a mannequin and a glass case containing replica first world war objects
The First World War exhibition toured libraries and community centres

Projects

Newcastle Remembers

Community films and exhibitions uncovered a wartime story and reconnected local people with their museum

People visiting the Dig For Victory First World War allotment
People visiting the Dig For Victory First World War allotment

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.

Visitors at the Heaton Avenues exhibition
The Heaton Avenues in Wartime exhibition

Projects

Heaton Avenues in Wartime

Heaton Avenues in Wartime uncovered 10 hidden stories of local residents during the First World War.

Examining some First World War artefacts at a community workshop
Examining some First World War artefacts at a community workshop

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.