Great War Huts Museum
@greatwarhuts.bsky.social
📜 First World War heritage project
📆 Year-round events & immersive experiences
🕰️ Fascinating collection of artefacts
📍Near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
📆 Year-round events & immersive experiences
🕰️ Fascinating collection of artefacts
📍Near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
It is ‘that’ time of year again!
Tickets for our annual ‘Trenches by Twilight’ event are now on sale. Hear the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce with Taff Gillingham as we make our way through the Trenches by the light of our lanterns.
10th-13th December. For tickets:
www.greatwarhuts.org/events
Tickets for our annual ‘Trenches by Twilight’ event are now on sale. Hear the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce with Taff Gillingham as we make our way through the Trenches by the light of our lanterns.
10th-13th December. For tickets:
www.greatwarhuts.org/events
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
It is ‘that’ time of year again!
Tickets for our annual ‘Trenches by Twilight’ event are now on sale. Hear the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce with Taff Gillingham as we make our way through the Trenches by the light of our lanterns.
10th-13th December. For tickets:
www.greatwarhuts.org/events
Tickets for our annual ‘Trenches by Twilight’ event are now on sale. Hear the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce with Taff Gillingham as we make our way through the Trenches by the light of our lanterns.
10th-13th December. For tickets:
www.greatwarhuts.org/events
Well, it has been a while since we last recorded a ‘Hutted Histories’ talk, but we have so much great stuff we thought we should start sharing some more of it with you!
Here is our latest HH film:
youtu.be/Nt0jko74yIE
😊👍🏻
Here is our latest HH film:
youtu.be/Nt0jko74yIE
😊👍🏻
October 28, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Well, it has been a while since we last recorded a ‘Hutted Histories’ talk, but we have so much great stuff we thought we should start sharing some more of it with you!
Here is our latest HH film:
youtu.be/Nt0jko74yIE
😊👍🏻
Here is our latest HH film:
youtu.be/Nt0jko74yIE
😊👍🏻
Hut Dog Charlie Chaplin is with us on a Temporary Posting at the moment whilst his mum is in hospital.
He has been patrolling the trenches, inspecting the huts and checking out the woodland for enemy activity!
He has been patrolling the trenches, inspecting the huts and checking out the woodland for enemy activity!
October 1, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Hut Dog Charlie Chaplin is with us on a Temporary Posting at the moment whilst his mum is in hospital.
He has been patrolling the trenches, inspecting the huts and checking out the woodland for enemy activity!
He has been patrolling the trenches, inspecting the huts and checking out the woodland for enemy activity!
…The archive is a superb record of two of the Ipswich Home Guard battalions, and the lists of members are particularly useful.
Thank you to Major Webster’s daughter, Helen, and Ryan Davies for the opportunity to acquire this important addition to our Home Guard collection.
2/End
Thank you to Major Webster’s daughter, Helen, and Ryan Davies for the opportunity to acquire this important addition to our Home Guard collection.
2/End
August 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM
…The archive is a superb record of two of the Ipswich Home Guard battalions, and the lists of members are particularly useful.
Thank you to Major Webster’s daughter, Helen, and Ryan Davies for the opportunity to acquire this important addition to our Home Guard collection.
2/End
Thank you to Major Webster’s daughter, Helen, and Ryan Davies for the opportunity to acquire this important addition to our Home Guard collection.
2/End
We are very lucky to have recently received the archive of Major J.B. Webster, who commanded D Coy. of the 9th and also the 11th Suffolk Home Guard in Ipswich.
The boxfile was packed with orders, letters, nominal rolls, circulars, maps & details of local Home Guard exercises…
1/
The boxfile was packed with orders, letters, nominal rolls, circulars, maps & details of local Home Guard exercises…
1/
August 21, 2025 at 11:16 AM
We are very lucky to have recently received the archive of Major J.B. Webster, who commanded D Coy. of the 9th and also the 11th Suffolk Home Guard in Ipswich.
The boxfile was packed with orders, letters, nominal rolls, circulars, maps & details of local Home Guard exercises…
1/
The boxfile was packed with orders, letters, nominal rolls, circulars, maps & details of local Home Guard exercises…
1/
It is extraordinary how a battered old cap like this can suddenly open up a whole story about a soldier’s life.
Remembering all those who fought for liberty and freedom in the Far East, 1941-1945, and have rarely received the recognition that they deserved.
5/End
Remembering all those who fought for liberty and freedom in the Far East, 1941-1945, and have rarely received the recognition that they deserved.
5/End
August 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
It is extraordinary how a battered old cap like this can suddenly open up a whole story about a soldier’s life.
Remembering all those who fought for liberty and freedom in the Far East, 1941-1945, and have rarely received the recognition that they deserved.
5/End
Remembering all those who fought for liberty and freedom in the Far East, 1941-1945, and have rarely received the recognition that they deserved.
5/End
With the action occurring in North Africa the cap being sold by a maker in Cairo makes perfect sense.
His Squadron (B) of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars were posted to Java, where he was captured after the Squadron were involved in a brief fight.
4/
His Squadron (B) of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars were posted to Java, where he was captured after the Squadron were involved in a brief fight.
4/
August 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
With the action occurring in North Africa the cap being sold by a maker in Cairo makes perfect sense.
His Squadron (B) of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars were posted to Java, where he was captured after the Squadron were involved in a brief fight.
4/
His Squadron (B) of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars were posted to Java, where he was captured after the Squadron were involved in a brief fight.
4/
The cap had been worn by Capt. John Bentley-Taylor, MC, for 3 years as a FEPoW.
We found his MC citation, for rescuing the crew of a Light Tank in Jan. 1941, with 13 Italian M13 tanks closing in on him - a “particularly gallant” action, as the 4 Armd Brig commander said.
3/
We found his MC citation, for rescuing the crew of a Light Tank in Jan. 1941, with 13 Italian M13 tanks closing in on him - a “particularly gallant” action, as the 4 Armd Brig commander said.
3/
August 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The cap had been worn by Capt. John Bentley-Taylor, MC, for 3 years as a FEPoW.
We found his MC citation, for rescuing the crew of a Light Tank in Jan. 1941, with 13 Italian M13 tanks closing in on him - a “particularly gallant” action, as the 4 Armd Brig commander said.
3/
We found his MC citation, for rescuing the crew of a Light Tank in Jan. 1941, with 13 Italian M13 tanks closing in on him - a “particularly gallant” action, as the 4 Armd Brig commander said.
3/
However, the lady who gave it to us had said, “This cap belonged to Bentley-Taylor. He did something terribly brave and was then a Prisoner of War in the Far East”.
The neatly darned hole in the top and those excessive sweat stains in the lining suddenly made more sense…
2/
The neatly darned hole in the top and those excessive sweat stains in the lining suddenly made more sense…
2/
August 15, 2025 at 12:25 PM
However, the lady who gave it to us had said, “This cap belonged to Bentley-Taylor. He did something terribly brave and was then a Prisoner of War in the Far East”.
The neatly darned hole in the top and those excessive sweat stains in the lining suddenly made more sense…
2/
The neatly darned hole in the top and those excessive sweat stains in the lining suddenly made more sense…
2/
Another reminder of the war in the Far East for VJ Day 80:
When we were first given this battered old Officer’s cap it was covered in cobwebs and dust, with several holes in the fabric, and, at first glance, looked like something that had been used for amateur theatre.
1/
When we were first given this battered old Officer’s cap it was covered in cobwebs and dust, with several holes in the fabric, and, at first glance, looked like something that had been used for amateur theatre.
1/
August 15, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Another reminder of the war in the Far East for VJ Day 80:
When we were first given this battered old Officer’s cap it was covered in cobwebs and dust, with several holes in the fabric, and, at first glance, looked like something that had been used for amateur theatre.
1/
When we were first given this battered old Officer’s cap it was covered in cobwebs and dust, with several holes in the fabric, and, at first glance, looked like something that had been used for amateur theatre.
1/
Kicking off our July #HuttedHistories, the fantastic Stephen Barker joins us with his talk ‘Watershed – Mahatma Gandhi and the First World War’
July 23, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Kicking off our July #HuttedHistories, the fantastic Stephen Barker joins us with his talk ‘Watershed – Mahatma Gandhi and the First World War’
It is just over a week until our July #HuttedHistories, on Wednesday 23rd, when we are delighted to welcome Stephen Barker for his talk: ‘Watershed - Mahatma Gandhi and the First World War’
For more information and tickets for this fascinating talk:
rb.gy/lxxuuy
For more information and tickets for this fascinating talk:
rb.gy/lxxuuy
July 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
It is just over a week until our July #HuttedHistories, on Wednesday 23rd, when we are delighted to welcome Stephen Barker for his talk: ‘Watershed - Mahatma Gandhi and the First World War’
For more information and tickets for this fascinating talk:
rb.gy/lxxuuy
For more information and tickets for this fascinating talk:
rb.gy/lxxuuy
One of our resident fox cubs at Brook Farm Camp was caught on camera enjoying a peaceful snooze… until his sibling decided now was the perfect time for a surprise play attack!
🦊
#AnimalsofBrookFarmCamp
🦊
#AnimalsofBrookFarmCamp
July 14, 2025 at 10:33 AM
One of our resident fox cubs at Brook Farm Camp was caught on camera enjoying a peaceful snooze… until his sibling decided now was the perfect time for a surprise play attack!
🦊
#AnimalsofBrookFarmCamp
🦊
#AnimalsofBrookFarmCamp
To celebrate World Horse Day 2025 we have this beautifully illustrated pre-Great War card game for you.
The Cavalry Game “…was invented in the hope that it might teach some of our boys and girls the names and numbers of the British Cavalry Regiments”.
#WorldHorseDay2025
The Cavalry Game “…was invented in the hope that it might teach some of our boys and girls the names and numbers of the British Cavalry Regiments”.
#WorldHorseDay2025
July 11, 2025 at 1:11 PM
To celebrate World Horse Day 2025 we have this beautifully illustrated pre-Great War card game for you.
The Cavalry Game “…was invented in the hope that it might teach some of our boys and girls the names and numbers of the British Cavalry Regiments”.
#WorldHorseDay2025
The Cavalry Game “…was invented in the hope that it might teach some of our boys and girls the names and numbers of the British Cavalry Regiments”.
#WorldHorseDay2025
“The Trench Periscope has been hit, Sir!”
“German sniper?”
“No, Sir.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sir!”
“German sniper?”
“No, Sir.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sir!”
July 10, 2025 at 3:42 PM
“The Trench Periscope has been hit, Sir!”
“German sniper?”
“No, Sir.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sir!”
“German sniper?”
“No, Sir.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sir!”
To mark the 2025 Tour de France here is a rare Great War cyclist piece from our collection, found recently in France.
It’s a 1916 dated Lucas “Cycloe”No.10 front carrier. These were fitted to the MkIV & V bicycles of the Army Cyclist Corps and Infantry Battalion Signallers.
🚲
It’s a 1916 dated Lucas “Cycloe”No.10 front carrier. These were fitted to the MkIV & V bicycles of the Army Cyclist Corps and Infantry Battalion Signallers.
🚲
July 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
To mark the 2025 Tour de France here is a rare Great War cyclist piece from our collection, found recently in France.
It’s a 1916 dated Lucas “Cycloe”No.10 front carrier. These were fitted to the MkIV & V bicycles of the Army Cyclist Corps and Infantry Battalion Signallers.
🚲
It’s a 1916 dated Lucas “Cycloe”No.10 front carrier. These were fitted to the MkIV & V bicycles of the Army Cyclist Corps and Infantry Battalion Signallers.
🚲
A poignant reminder of the first day of the Battle of The Somme - Lt Gilbert Hattersley’s blood-stained map showing the planned advance, up Sausage Valley, of the ‘Cambs Suffolks’ (marked ‘D Coy’ on the map), to Contalmaison.
Hattersley was wounded very early on.
#Somme109
Hattersley was wounded very early on.
#Somme109
July 1, 2025 at 9:41 AM
A poignant reminder of the first day of the Battle of The Somme - Lt Gilbert Hattersley’s blood-stained map showing the planned advance, up Sausage Valley, of the ‘Cambs Suffolks’ (marked ‘D Coy’ on the map), to Contalmaison.
Hattersley was wounded very early on.
#Somme109
Hattersley was wounded very early on.
#Somme109
It’s a full house for tonight’s #HuttedHistories talk! The brilliant Richard van Emden is giving us a fascinating sneak preview of his upcoming memoir about his life with Great War veterans.
June 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
It’s a full house for tonight’s #HuttedHistories talk! The brilliant Richard van Emden is giving us a fascinating sneak preview of his upcoming memoir about his life with Great War veterans.
The Old Contemptibles Association was inaugurated at the Red House, Clapton, 100 years ago today. There is a service at the Red House to mark the occasion.
We are proud to hold the Teddy Noyes Old Contemptibles Archive here at Great War Huts and we will remember The Chums today.
We are proud to hold the Teddy Noyes Old Contemptibles Archive here at Great War Huts and we will remember The Chums today.
June 25, 2025 at 7:15 AM
The Old Contemptibles Association was inaugurated at the Red House, Clapton, 100 years ago today. There is a service at the Red House to mark the occasion.
We are proud to hold the Teddy Noyes Old Contemptibles Archive here at Great War Huts and we will remember The Chums today.
We are proud to hold the Teddy Noyes Old Contemptibles Archive here at Great War Huts and we will remember The Chums today.
If you like trenches, tea and cake, this one’s for you.
Join Taff Gillingham this Father’s Day for ‘Tea & Trenches’ for an immersive experience with uniforms, artefacts & trenches.
History, humour & Victoria sponge included! ☕🍰
🎟️ shorturl.at/UQ8Cp
#TeaAndTrenches
Join Taff Gillingham this Father’s Day for ‘Tea & Trenches’ for an immersive experience with uniforms, artefacts & trenches.
History, humour & Victoria sponge included! ☕🍰
🎟️ shorturl.at/UQ8Cp
#TeaAndTrenches
June 8, 2025 at 7:08 PM
If you like trenches, tea and cake, this one’s for you.
Join Taff Gillingham this Father’s Day for ‘Tea & Trenches’ for an immersive experience with uniforms, artefacts & trenches.
History, humour & Victoria sponge included! ☕🍰
🎟️ shorturl.at/UQ8Cp
#TeaAndTrenches
Join Taff Gillingham this Father’s Day for ‘Tea & Trenches’ for an immersive experience with uniforms, artefacts & trenches.
History, humour & Victoria sponge included! ☕🍰
🎟️ shorturl.at/UQ8Cp
#TeaAndTrenches
A fantastic evening for our third Hutted Histories talk, ‘Prepared for War: Uniforms and Equipment of the Great War British Soldier’ - brilliantly delivered by Taff Gillingham with a special appearance by L/Cpl Kieran Morling. Huge thanks to everyone who came along!
May 28, 2025 at 10:08 PM
A fantastic evening for our third Hutted Histories talk, ‘Prepared for War: Uniforms and Equipment of the Great War British Soldier’ - brilliantly delivered by Taff Gillingham with a special appearance by L/Cpl Kieran Morling. Huge thanks to everyone who came along!
…Some of the trench lines can still be seen from the air, running in ghostly lines across the fairways on Purdis Heath Golf Club.
The trenches were surveyed a number of years ago by Suffolk County Council’s Archaeology Department, so a proper record has been made of them.
3/End
The trenches were surveyed a number of years ago by Suffolk County Council’s Archaeology Department, so a proper record has been made of them.
3/End
May 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM
…Some of the trench lines can still be seen from the air, running in ghostly lines across the fairways on Purdis Heath Golf Club.
The trenches were surveyed a number of years ago by Suffolk County Council’s Archaeology Department, so a proper record has been made of them.
3/End
The trenches were surveyed a number of years ago by Suffolk County Council’s Archaeology Department, so a proper record has been made of them.
3/End
…Many of the units, including author Dennis Wheatley’s Royal Field Artillery Battery, were based nearby at Warren Heath Camp (we have a hard tack biscuit posted from the camp).
The trench network is still extensive, although a great deal more has long since been built over…
2/
The trench network is still extensive, although a great deal more has long since been built over…
2/
May 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
…Many of the units, including author Dennis Wheatley’s Royal Field Artillery Battery, were based nearby at Warren Heath Camp (we have a hard tack biscuit posted from the camp).
The trench network is still extensive, although a great deal more has long since been built over…
2/
The trench network is still extensive, although a great deal more has long since been built over…
2/
In early 1916 the 58th (2/1st) London Division Territorials found themselves billeted in and around Ipswich.
On Purdis Heath they dug training trenches, many of which are still there.
A few days ago we heard a fire had exposed some of them so we’ve just been to have a look…
1/
On Purdis Heath they dug training trenches, many of which are still there.
A few days ago we heard a fire had exposed some of them so we’ve just been to have a look…
1/
May 3, 2025 at 7:24 PM
In early 1916 the 58th (2/1st) London Division Territorials found themselves billeted in and around Ipswich.
On Purdis Heath they dug training trenches, many of which are still there.
A few days ago we heard a fire had exposed some of them so we’ve just been to have a look…
1/
On Purdis Heath they dug training trenches, many of which are still there.
A few days ago we heard a fire had exposed some of them so we’ve just been to have a look…
1/
Looking more closely, you can just about see the brass T on his shoulder title, just to the left of the CAMERON.
He is definitely a member of the 4th (Territorial Force) Battalion.
He is definitely a member of the 4th (Territorial Force) Battalion.
April 25, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Looking more closely, you can just about see the brass T on his shoulder title, just to the left of the CAMERON.
He is definitely a member of the 4th (Territorial Force) Battalion.
He is definitely a member of the 4th (Territorial Force) Battalion.