Beyond the Uniform: 10 Lives in Peace and War

For Heritage Open Days - discover remarkable human stories from the First World War in 'Beyond the Uniform – Ten Lives in Peace and War'

Through original artefacts of ten ordinary men and women, explore the striking contrast between their, often extraordinary, wartime service and the lives they returned to in peacetime. From soldiers and nurses to volunteers and civilians, each story reveals personal courage, sacrifice, resilience and achievement, highlighting how the experiences of war shaped individuals long after the fighting had ended.

Join us for a daily illustrated talk that brings these fascinating lives to life through carefully preserved objects, photographs and personal histories. Learn how these individuals navigated the challenges of war before returning to families, careers and communities, often carrying the impact of their experiences for the rest of their lives.

Following the talk, enjoy a short guided tour of the Great War Huts site. Discover the story of these unique, restored First World War huts and learn how they have been preserved to commemorate the people who lived, worked and served during the conflict.

This Heritage Open Days event offers a unique opportunity to explore the personal stories behind the history, reminding us that the legacy of the First World War was not only forged on the battlefield, but also in the lives lived beyond the uniform.

Please note - Light refreshments will be available to purchase. As restoration and building work is still underway, some areas of our site can be a bit uneven underfoot. We recommend wearing sensible footwear, especially in wet weather - wellies might be best! We’re happy to say that most of the site is wheelchair accessible, though we do want to mention that the trenches are not. Thank you for your understanding.