Warwickshire at War

From Monday 21st July 2014, St. John's Museum

Recruits outside The Royal Warwickshire Regimental Offices in Rugby. September 5th 1914.
Warwickshire County Record Office reference PH 815/21/17

We are pleased to announce that HCW has been successful in receiving Heritage Lottery Funding to put on an exhibition that tells the story of Warwickshire’s First World War experiences at St John’s Museum, Warwick from 21st July 2014. This exhibition will be based on the work of the volunteers, who have been listing and exploring the First World War collections held in our Archives, Museum Collections and Historic Environment Record. Our volunteers are uncovering everything from stories of Belgian refugees who fled to Rugby and set up their own community there, to letters home from Warwickshire men (and women) serving in some capacity on or near the Front.

More details of research

You can read more details of their research on our blog. It is also hoped that the stories from our collections will prompt the people of Warwickshire to share some of their own stories of the War that may have been passed down from previous generations.

It will be in situ for four years, until the end of the centenary, and the content will change regularly to reflect their latest research. This exhibition is a joint exhibition with our partner, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Royal Warwickshire), who are based in St John’s House.

A day of activities is planned on Saturday 9th August to celebrate the launch of our exhibition, including First World War re-enactors, museum trails and other family friendly activities. Entry is free.

There will be a smaller exhibition that can visit different community venues, accompanied by explanatory talks by our staff and volunteers.