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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.

First World War soldiers in uniform
First World War soldiers in uniform. Photo: Tynemouth World War One Commemoration Project.

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.

Taith Sgowt i Gaerdydd
Elen Owens, Grŵp Sgowtiaid Cyntaf Porthaethwy

Blogs

An Explorer's trip to Cardiff

Fourteen year old Elen Owens is a student at St Gerard’s School in Bangor, and a member of the Menai Bridge Scouts group. Here, she talks about her recent visit to the Senedd in Cardiff for the HLF’s First World War: then and now event.
Myfyrio ar ddigwyddiad CDL yng Nghymru fel rhan o Wythnos y Cofio
Aelodau Sgowtiaid 1af Porthaethwy yn dangos Syr Peter Luff, Cadeirydd NHMF a CDL, eitemau o'u prosiect

News

Reflecting on HLF’s Remembrance Week event in Wales

Last week, to coincide with Remembrance Week, the HLF Wales team held an event at the Senedd in Cardiff, showcasing projects funded by HLF in Wales.
Dr Roisin Higgins who is leading the Dear Mrs Pennyman project
Dr Roisin Higgins who is leading the Dear Mrs Pennyman project

Blogs

Dear Mrs Pennyman

Dr Roisín Higgins explores the project that is sharing recently discovered stories of women who lost loved ones during the First World War.