2018 marked 100 years since the end of the First World War. In 2013 research historian and trustee, David Gevaux began a project to explore and write a history of the people of Melford during the Great War. During the next five years, David undertook hundreds of hours of original research. The depth of investigation, enquiry and diligence required to produce the book was outstanding. The result is a vital commentary showcasing how the First World War filtered into local people’s lives, not only with facts and figures but also with human stories both from the battlefield and the home front.
Long Melford and the Great War: The Stories of a Thousand Lives was published in 2018 to commemorate the centenary. It was an extraordinary achievement and laid the foundations for the Heritage Centre research archive.
Our First World War archive is dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the impact of the Great War on the local community. Its focus is the people of Melford who answered the call, to those who fell, to those who returned and the folk at home who supported them.
To access our growing online archive of research papers, articles and photographic resources press the following links.
The Long Melford Heritage Trust welcomes all who are interested in learning more about the Great War in Long Melford and the surrounding area.
Donate an object
The Museum and Heritage Centre continues to actively collect photographs, objects and documents from the Long Melford area related to the First World War. Learn more about what donations we accept.
Useful links
The British Library has developed a dedicated website of articles, items and teaching resources.
British Pathé have launched their definitive collection of WWI films. Users may view films free of charge, though they are also available to purchase.
The Imperial War Museum led a network of cultural and educational organisations to produce a programme of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the First World War. You can explore the First World War stories at the IWM through their dedicated pages.
The National Archives have produced a suite of First World War Centenary pages, from which users may search for records of the First World War held by TNA, view digitised military records and cabinet papers, and contribute to Operation War Diary.
The BBC’s World War One site contains links to news articles, programmes and interactive resources.
The Long, Long Trail is an excellent resource for researching the progress of military units through the course of the First World War.