A Street Near You: Discovering the First World War Stories of Our Communities

Across Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, every town, village, and lane carries quiet echoes of the First World War. A Street Near You is an interactive project that brings those stories back into view, using records from the Imperial War Museums and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to map the lives of the men and women who served.

By entering your postcode or exploring the map, you can uncover the names, regiments, occupations, and family histories of those who once lived in the very streets we walk today. Many were farm labourers, railway workers, apprentices, or tradespeople; others were students, clerks, or volunteers. All were part of the fabric of our communities.

What You’ll Find

•     Local service records showing where individuals lived, served, and fell
•     Regimental details and links to wider historical archives
•     Family connections revealing how war shaped households across our region
•     Interactive mapping that lets you explore your own street, village, or parish

This resource helps us understand not just the scale of the conflict, but its deeply personal impact on rural communities like ours. It reminds us that remembrance is not abstract or distant—it is woven into our neighbourhoods, our memorials, and our shared heritage.

Why It Matters Today

The project offers a powerful way for families, schools, researchers, and local residents to connect with the past. Whether you’re tracing a relative, preparing for a remembrance event, or simply curious about the history beneath your feet, A Street Near You brings these stories to life with dignity and clarity.

Explore the Map

You can explore the local area directly via the interactive map here: 

 A Street Near You

Take a moment to look up your street, your village, or a place that matters to you. Every name represents a life lived, a family changed, and a story worth remembering.