Employment Support Get Involved Visit Us About Us Donate Search Submit History The Poppy Factory was founded in 1922 by Major George Howson MC, a British Army officer in the First World War and winner of the Military Cross in 1917. George Howson’s vision for the charity was to provide employment for veterans injured during the First World War. Howson’s legacy Major Howson bought land in Richmond, Surrey, and built the factory on the site where we still make Remembrance poppies, wreaths and Remembrance symbols for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Remembering the fallen In 1928, Major Howson MC founded the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a two-week memorial event for veterans and members of the public to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in battle. The Field is still held every year and is opened on the Thursday before Remembrance Sunday. The factory’s location, close to the River Thames and Richmond Park, was carefully chosen to help injured soldiers’ recovery and rehabilitation after the war. Flats were built next to the factory to provide homes for employees and their families, and there was also once a pub and cinema to provide relaxation for workers. Our work today The Poppy Factory has been supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans back into employment for 100 years. Today, our UK employment service helps hundreds of veterans throughout England and Wales on their journey into meaningful employment across a wide range of sectors. To find out more, click here. Our Timeline Learn More Get in touch Employment support support@poppyfactory.org Visitor centre Online bookings only. Please book here General enquiries For other general enquiries please click here Quick links Employment support Our Client Promise Get involved Visit About Donate Connect with us Privacy Policy Safeguarding Policy Cookie policy Trademarks & copyright Accessibility The Poppy Factory, 20 Petersham Rd, Richmond, Greater London TW10 6UR Tel: 020 8940 3305. Registered Charity No.225348 © The Poppy Factory. Proudly designed by Blue Flamingo - Web design London, Toronto & Vancouver This site uses cookies: Find out more. Okay, thank you