The Poppy Factory has been based in Richmond since 1928 and has been running for over 100 years.

It was originally set up by Major Major George Howson in 1922, after he returned from fighting in the First World War.

Major Howson recognised that there weren't many employment opportunities for injured veterans and set up a factory, originally in East London.

At the same time, people were starting to wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance and the Royal British Legion was looking for people to make them.

He decided that that was what the factory would do. 

The factory moved to its current location in Richmond in 1928 and within a couple decades, there were 300 people working in the factory. 

There were also flats at the factory where veterans were able to live with their families.

The factory still makes the royal wreathes. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

Whilst poppies are no longer made at the factory,  the charity still makes around 100,000 wreaths each year, including the wreaths that are laid by The Royal Family.

Their work has evolved to support veterans from every region of the country.

Dan Hodges, Head of Communications said: "It's always been about supporting veterans with health conditions and disabilities.

"About 15 years ago we recognised that the workforce here was reducing and the needs for veterans were changing. 

During the tour visitors have the opportunity to make their own poppy. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

"We wanted to expand what we did and that's when we launched our national employment service for veterans so now we have regional people around the UK and that's grown to be a much bigger part of our work.

"This year we also launched our family and navigators service, for those who are a long way from employment to start taking their next steps."

He added: "Major Howson chose Richmond because he could see that it was a peaceful and leafy location, away from the bustle of london that was seen as a good restorative place for veterans to be based. 

The factory now helps veterans all over the UK back into employment. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

"At its height, there were 300 people living and working here, there was a social club and it was a really thriving community."

The Poppy Factory regularly runs discovery sessions, where visitors can get the opportunity to look around the factory and learn more about the story behind the poppy.