The Devon Remembers Heritage Project gives local people an opportunity to explore the county’s First World War experience and tell new stories about life in Devon one hundred years ago.
Based at the Devon Heritage Centre, the team, along with dozens of volunteers around Devon have carried out thousands of hours of research, in local and county archives, private collections and internet resources. Using everything from family papers and diaries, large estate records, parish records, photographs, film, service records and local studies collections, they have helped to tell the story of Devon’s extraordinary contribution to the war effort both through local government and through the lives of individuals.
First World War Centenary
See events and exhibitions being held to mark the First World War Centenary
See What's OnHighlights include Belgian Refugees and their welcome by local families; Canadian Foresters helping provide essential wood from Devon’s estates and the pioneering treatment of shell shocked soldiers at Seale-Hayne college, amongst many more fascinating insights into life in the county one hundred years ago.
Thanks to the efforts of the Devon Remembers volunteers we are able to leave a lasting legacy in the form of a large volume of research deposited in our own catalogued archive collection; a research library of newspapers here in the search room as well as numerous public outreach events including drama and arts, a county-wide exhibitions and talks programme, lasting interpretation boards at significant sites and two publications.
The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
You can find out more on the project website.
First World War Centenary
Devon Remembers Heritage Project is part of series of events and exhibitions from the South West Heritage Trust that reveal more about the First World War and its legacy. The Trust is part of the First World War Centenary Partnership led by the Imperial War Museum. The Partnership is a network of organisations from across the world which have joined together to remember the war and help people to discover its significance. Visit the website 1914.org
Events and Exhibitions
In this centenary year, the Devon Remembers Heritage Project will culminate in a major exhibition at RAMM in Exeter.
Displays of First World War documents and images will take place at Devon Heritage Centre and North Devon Records Office.
An event will also be held at Exeter Cathedral.
You can find all First World War Centenary events from the South West Heritage Trust on our What’s On pages.