A NEW multi-million pound cash pot will help to commemorate some of the country’s most significant historic events, Culture Secretary Maria Miller announced this week.

The Basingstoke MP announced at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester that the Heritage Lottery Fund will invest £10m over the next four years into a variety of projects “that foster the sense of community spirit and national pride”.

Upcoming events which could be in line for grants – which will range from a few thousand pounds to more than £2million – include the centenary of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ birth in 2014, the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016.

Mrs Miller said: “The Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games showed how shared national moments can bring the whole country together.

“Our island story is unique, inspiring, and educative in equal measure and it’s right that everyone, young and old should have the chance to appreciate it through commemorative activities, and be reminded of Britain’s place in the world.”

Following the announcement British historian Niall Ferguson said: “We have a duty to remember more of our history than only those sacrifices we honour on Remembrance Day.”

And Dame Jenny Abramsky, chairman of the HLF said: “This lottery investment will ensure these pivotal moments, places, or people will not be forgotten by future generations.”