Events

Saturday 12 March – Wednesday 31 August 2016

To coincide with the centenary of the First World War, Whitgift School in South Croydon will be hosting a major exhibition, Remembering 1916 – Life on the Western Front. This ambitious exhibition, which will open its doors to the public on Thursday 10 March until 31 August 2016, will bring together an outstanding range of original artefacts, including objects, photographs, letters, uniforms and memorabilia. These are drawn chiefly from private collectors, British Pathé and the Whitgift School archive. Remembering 1916 will be the first and only time these artefacts are seen together, to tell the story of this pivotal year of the War.

Remembering 1916 opens with the advent of conscription in Britain. Until January 1916, British men volunteered to fight, but the hunger for fresh supplies of men meant that fighting for one’s country was now mandatory for single men aged 19 – 41. The Exhibition will explore the political and social background to key events in 1916, using the contemporary voices of British, French and German soldiers and their families.

Visitors to Remembering 1916 – Life on the Western Front will be able to take advantage of guided tours of the Exhibition. A learning programme will be on offer to Primary and Secondary schools. There will also be an Edwardian themed café and a shop.