What is Paths to the Past?
Step back in time and explore unique stories of the First World War with our character trails. Each character trail is based on independent research into the diaries, letters, photographs, drawings, reminiscences and reports of real and diverse individuals.
Gain insight into the multiple experiences of conflict in the early 20th century, without having to read all the museum labels. Each trail spotlights a specific story, guaranteeing a different way of exploring the gallery with every map played.
Use this site to download trails and read behind-the-scenes. You can also access character pages, complete with sound bites, scripts, blog and postcard, if you’ve already played their trail.
Photograph of Arthur Roberts, featured in Arthur Roberts, Reminiscences (c.1920). Taken by Char during a trip to the Imperial War Museum Archive, 24/06/25.
About the Creator
Char is a MA Public History Student at Royal Holloway, University of London. She has a fascination with the history of the 19th and early 20th centuries, receiving a First-Class Bachelor of Arts in English and History, and a Master of Studies in Modern British History from the University of Oxford.
Char is also a dedicated gamer, and applies her love of gaming and game theory to this project. Her aim is to engage young adult audiences in complex and diverse histories through enjoyable, innovative and thought-provoking projects. Her current project, Paths to the Past offers a chance to “play” the First World War galleries in the Imperial War Museum as specific characters, granting insight into individual agency during times of conflict.
She has recently started working in Learning Facilitation at The Golden Hinde, and will commence her AHRC-funded PhD in October 2025. This project explores the changing roles of travelling circus animals through the nineteenth century.
Contact Char by email for queries or collaborations. Or check out her TikTok (Char the Circus Historian) for more history content.
Me at my 2024 graduation ceremony!
Contact me
Have any questions or advice? Interested in working together? Fill in the form or contact Char at:
charlotte.bookham@gmail.com