An exhibition to commemorate the end of the First World War, and how the individuals who did not come home were remembered, opens at Wiltshire Museum on 21 October 2018.

Curated by local historian, Richard Broadhead, the exhibition will include a Wall of Remembrance for the 10,000 who are on memorials; born, buried or associated with Wiltshire.  This has never been achieved before and to gaze on the name of the fallen will be a very emotional experience.   There are a great number of war memorials in Wiltshire; Richard has looked at why the county has so many, and the process that led to their creation and erection, which was not always a civil process!

So much Great War archaeology still exists in Wiltshire and some surprising artefacts, and the stories of the men who left their mark on the county, will also be included in the exhibition.

Also included in the exhibition will be a memorial to the men and women members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (which owns the Wiltshire Museum) who fell in the Great War.  Again, this is the first time the names of members, or children of members, who fell in the Great War have been put on display.  They include the Curator’s son, a grave visited by the King and other surprising characters.

The exhibition will be on display in the Oexmann Gallery and Art Gallery from 21 October 2018 to 23 February 2019.

Richard Broadhead said ‘this is a unique exhibition, commemorating in one place the men and women of Wiltshire who died in the First World War.  It is more than just a list of names though, as individual stories are also told’.

Museum Director, David Dawson, ‘said this fascinating exhibition will explore the stories of the people who lived, fought, died and survived the conflict – a truly fitting memorial dedicated to those who gave all in the Great War’.

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