Devon Remembers Heritage Project

The 'Devon Remembers Heritage Project' gave local people an opportunity to explore the county’s First World War experience and tell stories about life in Devon one hundred years ago. Based at the Devon Heritage Centre, the team along with dozens of volunteers carried out research in local and county archives, private collections and internet resources. Using family papers and diaries, large estate records, parish records, photographs, film, service records and local studies collections, they helped tell the story of Devon’s contribution to the war effort, both through local government and through the lives of individuals. Project highlights include research into Belgian Refugees and how they were welcomed by local families; Canadian Foresters who helped provide wood from Devon’s estates for the war effort and the pioneering treatment of shell shocked soldiers at Seale-Hayne college. Our public outreach events included drama and arts, a county-wide exhibitions and talks programme, lasting interpretation boards at sites around Devon and two publications. The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of a series of events and exhibitions from the South West Heritage Trust.