The history of the First World War was brought to life in Great Dunmow as pupils from eight different primary schools joined together for a themed educational day.

Dunmow Broadcast: Author of Archie's War, Marcia Williams, did a talk at the school about her book.Author of Archie's War, Marcia Williams, did a talk at the school about her book. (Image: Archant)

Year 4 children, from Felsted, Thaxted, Stebbing, Great Easting, the Rodings, Takeley and Great Dunmow, all descended on Helena Romanes School, on Parsonage Downs, on Monday to discover more about the Great War.

Marcia Williams, author of Archie’s War, a historical based picture book written from the perspective of Archie Albright, a 10-year-old boy who grew up in East London during the war, gave a talk to the students.

And guests from museums, the Dunmow Historical Society and Essex Recorders were there to offer different insights about the events that took place between 1914-1918.

Children also got to take a look at weapons used during that period and tried on some of the clothing various people would have worn.

Headteacher at Felsted Primary School, Lawrence Garside, said: “The eight primary schools do a lot of activities together and as it was the centenary of the First World War, we decided to do something with all of the schools.

“It is such an important point in British history and a turning point of the 20th century. We also think it is important to remember all the people who gave their lives.

“For some of the Victorian schools, for example Stebbing, some of the people who have their lives would have gone to the same school as pupils here today.”