Home front stories - The National Archives

From a touring farm train to ginger beer strikes, uncover real but little-known experiences from the Home Front.

You can discover stories of life in Britain during the First World War by exploring Great Wharton, our fictional town.

.overlay{ overflow: scroll; } .enter-box{ display: none; } @media (min-width: 767px) { .intro{ margin-top:120px; } } Policing pigeonsWar on screenColonial workersEmploying injured soldiersLove and warDefending the skiesHorse censusWomen’s war workStrike actionChildren exploited for agricultural workEgg trains and travelling kitchensFighting through foodScouts called to actionSchool-made munitionsFears over women drinkingThe fresh bread banZeppelin raids To experience this website at its best please enable JavaScript in your browser.

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How to find your way around Great Wharton

Use your finger or mouse to explore the town

To read a Home Front story click on a marker

Use the zoom button (bottom left) to change your view

Colonial workers War on screen Fighting through food Children exploited for agricultural work Horse census School-made munitions Policing pigeons Egg trains and travelling kitchens Scouts called to action The fresh bread ban Employing injured soldiers Strike action Fears over women drinking Women’s war work Love and war Defending the skies Zeppelin raids

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How to find your way around Great Wharton

Welcome to Great Wharton