As a local historian and contributor to The Bowes Museums own on-going research into the First World War, Kevin Richardson was a huge support as we first began our project - offering guidance and advice - as well as countless names and pieces of personal information that he had uncovered in the creation of his first book, Evenwood Remembers exploring the lives of the men of his village in WW1.

Kevin's current website can be found at www.thefallenservicemenofsouthwestcountydurham.com and within its pages you can find a huge range of detailed information, allowing you to explore individual communities and villages as well as come face to face with the past as he uncovers photographs and documentation of those men who died in serving their country during the Great War.

As Kevin himself says "There are 266 names on these village war memorials, some of whom are commemorated on more than one memorial,  Behind every inscription there is a man who was a son or brother, husband or father and the purpose of this website is to tell their story.  It is hoped that many will be able to connect with these men which will go some way to ensure that they will never be forgotten."

Much like our own work here at The Bowes Museum, Kevin's work is on-going, reliant on the clues and contributions of members of the public who might have old photographs or documents that help us to piece together the puzzle If you have any information relating to families or individuals from Southwest County Durham, particularly near Evenwood, Hamsterley, West Auckland etc - we'd love to hear from you via libraryandarchives@thebowesmuseum.org.uk.