World War One
1914–1918 — The war that changed the world forever
The Great War
The First World War began in August 1914 and lasted four years, drawing in nations from across the globe. It was unlike any war before it — fought from muddy trenches, with new and devastating weapons, and at a cost of millions of lives.
For Ireland and Britain, the war had a profound impact. Hundreds of thousands of men volunteered or were conscripted. Families were torn apart, towns lost a generation of young men, and the world that emerged in 1918 was utterly transformed.
Key moments of the war
1914 — War begins
August 1914
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo, triggering a chain of alliances. Britain declares war on Germany on 4 August. Thousands of Irish and British men rush to enlist, expecting it to be over by Christmas.
1915–1917 — Stalemate
1915–1917
The Western Front bogs down into trench warfare with the Race to the Sea. Battles like the Somme and Passchendaele result in catastrophic casualties. New weapons — poison gas, tanks, aircraft — change the nature of warfare forever.
1918 — Armistice
11 November 1918
Germany signs the Armistice at 11am on 11 November 1918. The war is over, but the cost is staggering — over 17 million dead. The peace settlement reshapes the map of Europe and plants the seeds of future conflict.
What we explore
Our WW1 sessions can be tailored for both KS2 and secondary school classes, with a wide range of original artefacts and replicas to bring the conflict to life.
Life in the trenches
Soldiers on the Western Front lived in muddy, rat-infested trenches for months at a time. Children can explore what daily life was like — the food, the routines, the fear, and the moments of unexpected humanity between enemies.
Weapons and technology
What kind of weapons were used? how heavy is a WW1 rifle? Why were steel helmets introduced? Students can handle a vast array of original and replica artefacts including weapons, artillery, gas masks and helmets.
Recruitment and propaganda
Governments used powerful posters and peer pressure to encourage men to enlist. we look at the Pal's Battalions, and the different styles of posters used to drive recruitment.
Ireland and the Great War
Over 200,000 Irishmen served in WWI, from both unionist and nationalist communities. The war intersected with the 1916 Rising and the push for Home Rule, making it a uniquely complex chapter in Irish history.
Basic drill
For KS2 classes, let's form a School Pals Battalion! Aside from discussing the War and the artefacts, pupils can learn some foot drill and throw an original deactivated grenade just as troops would have done during basic training.
The Battle of the Somme
The most bloody day in the history of the British Army marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. With over 2,000 killed from the 36th Ulster Division, and over 19,000 killed overall. the battle would continue for months, but what went wrong on 1st July 1916?
Artefacts we can show you
Holding History has a collection of original WWI artefacts and replica items available for school visits and educational talks. Handling real objects from the period makes history tangible and unforgettable.
Uniforms and kit
Original and replica WWI equipment such as helmets, gas masks and bandoliers
Weapons and ammunition
Deactivated weapons, imitation bayonets, grenades and artillery from the Western Front
Trench art
Handmade objects crafted by soldiers from shell casings and scrap metal
Documents and ephemera
Letters, postcards, recruitment posters, photographs and newspapers from the period.
Book a school talk
Bring the First World War to life in your classroom. Get in touch to discuss a visit, artefact loan, or a tailored talk for your year group.