The Grave of the Unknown Warrior at The Poppy Factory
Every year, thousands of visitors to Westminster Abbey pause at the grave of the Unknown Warrior, one of the nation’s most significant memorials. Surrounding the tomb is an iconic display of Remembrance poppies—a symbol recognised across the United Kingdom and beyond.
The grave of the Unknown Warrior was created to honour all British and Commonwealth service personnel who died in war and whose bodies were never identified or returned home.
What many people don’t see is the work that takes place behind the scenes to ensure the poppy surround remains in pristine condition year after year.
A Poppy Factory production
Christian Ellard, Production Manager at The Poppy Factory, oversees the annual refurbishment of this important piece of national heritage.
Christian said: “Once a year, the surround is carefully returned from Westminster Abbey to our factory. For a short period, it takes pride of place on display within our production area, giving our team the opportunity to reflect on the significance of what we are about to work on. It is a reminder that our craftsmanship contributes to something far bigger than ourselves.
Poppy surround in numbers
“The refurbishment process begins with the surround being broken down into its individual components. What appears to visitors as a single seamless display is actually made up of 16 separate sections:
- 12 pre-formed sections containing 90 poppies each
- 4 corner sections containing 128 poppies each
“In total, the surround contains 1,592 hand-assembled poppy petals and stud stamens.
“Each component is inspected, cleaned and repaired where necessary. Petals are crimped using traditional manufacturing methods, stamens are checked and replaced where required, and every section is rebuilt by hand. The process takes around three days of dedicated craftsmanship by our skilled wreath makers.
“This year’s refurbishment also provided an opportunity to pass on specialist knowledge within the team. While experienced team members have undertaken the work in previous years, we used this year’s programme as a training exercise, allowing skills and techniques to be shared with the next generation of craftspeople. Preserving the knowledge behind the product is just as important as preserving the product itself.
“One of the most satisfying aspects of the project is seeing the transformation from hundreds of individual parts into a completed surround. Boxes of petals, trays of stamens and stacks of framework gradually come together to recreate a display that is instantly recognisable to millions.
A special moment
Nicola from the Production team referbished the poppy surround this year
“The final stage is always a special moment. Once completed, the surround is carried from the production area and returned to display within the factory before its journey back to Westminster Abbey. It is a chance for the team to stand back and appreciate the result of their work.
“For those of us involved in its refurbishment, the poppy surround is more than a manufacturing project. It represents craftsmanship, heritage, remembrance and continuity. There is a genuine sense of pride in knowing that the work carried out by our team helps maintain a national symbol that honours those who have served and sacrificed.
“Seeing so many individual components come together to form something of such significance never loses its impact. It is a reminder that behind every national icon are skilled hands, shared knowledge and a great deal of care.”
Visit us
As part of our centenary celebrations in Richmond, we’re welcoming visitors throughout the year. Where possible, tours will also include a visit to our replica of the grave of the Unknown Warrior.