First World War Centenary
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:
- 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.
Richard Bellamy, Pennaeth CDL Cymru
Blogs
Tales of the trenches and home front retold
To coincide with an event to be held at the Senedd in Cardiff as part of Remembrance Week, Head of HLF Wales (HLF), Richard Bellamy, outlines how its funds have helped groups to better understand the impact of the First World War
News
Education Minister launches new Wales at War platform
Yesterday (2 November), the National Library of Wales launched a new Wales at War platform at St Cyres School, Penarth – a major, bilingual digital resource for schoolchildren, teachers and anyone with an interest in the First World War and its impact on Welsh communities.
Sgowtiaid 1af Porthaethwy ar Bont Menai
News
1st Menai Bridge Scout Group wins Heritage Lottery support
The 1st Menai Bridge Scout Group has received funding for a challenging project to explore the role of Snowdonia and Anglesey Scouts and Scouting during the First World War.
Professor Mark Connelly
Blogs
Understanding the shadows of the Somme
With one year until the Centenary of the Battle of the Some, Professor Mark Connelly reflects on the far-reaching impacts of the battle and explores some of the stories waiting to be uncovered.
Narberth Museum continues to inspire
News
Keeping the Local Heritage Bonds Alive
With help from HLF, a group of local volunteers helped restore the town’s ‘Bonded Store’. This ws a once closed-off building within Narberth; locked to the local community and a former store of kegs full of duty-free whisky, brandy and rum, only accessible with the opening of double locks on the
News
Monumental Powys-wide First World War project receives Heritage Funding
A county-wide First World War project to identify, record and restore all war memorials across Powys has received a £350,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
News
Wales at War
The impact of the First World War is still felt by us today. It is both a sad but significant part of our national heritage, our national story and our national culture. But the scope of HLF funded work is not just at local level. We are also funding several national, Wales-wide projects which look
News
Bradford YMCA to investigate Tea and Remembrance
The project will focus on the positive impact the YMCA made during the war through the provision of tea huts, providing much needed refreshment and respite for the troops. The project will run for a year and will have a 'home base' at Culture Fusion, on Thornton Road in Bradford’s city centre. Young