A journey through Churchill War Rooms in London

The Churchill War Rooms stand as a testament to history brought back to life: an underground labyrinth of rooms once bustling with activity, plans, strategies, and secrets. This underground complex, built in 1938 beneath a building in Whitehall, the street housing governmental buildings, served as the nerve centre of British wartime operations during World War II.

Here, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister during the Second World War, convened his Cabinet in 1940 as German bombs rained down on London, issuing orders and rallying the nation to resist. Between 1940 and 1945, hundreds of men and women spent thousands of hours working here, crucial to the ultimate outcome of the conflict.

A Glimpse into Churchill’s Life and Legacy

Churchill was the man of destiny against Hitler, replacing Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister with the sole purpose of defeating Nazi Germany. His impassioned speeches helped an entire nation to resist and believe in ultimate victory. After a lengthy political career, he passed away in January 1965 at the age of 90, with his funeral marking the largest state funeral in modern history.

Within the War Rooms lies a museum dedicated to the great statesman, divided into five sections, each recounting a different facet of his long life and career: War Leader – Political Maverick – Young Churchill – Cold War Statesman – The Wilderness Years. Each section is rich with his personal belongings, including his hats, letters exchanged with his wife (signed with a cat drawing by her and a piglet by him), and even the original door from 10 Downing Street!

From Sealing to Public Access: Preserving History

After the surrender of Japanese troops, the underground bunker was sealed on August 16, 1945, until Parliament ensured its preservation as a historical monument in 1948. Access and the layout remained highly confidential until the 1970s, when the Imperial War Museum took on the task of preserving the site and its contents, making it accessible to as many people as possible. This decision aligned with the museum’s mission:

“To educate younger generations on the causes, consequences, and impact of all armed conflicts, wherever British forces have been deployed in the Twentieth and Twenty-First centuries.”

The Churchill War Rooms opened to the public in 1984. Following restoration work, the Courtyard Rooms, where staff worked, ate meals, and slept safely from bombings, reopened in 2003. In 2005, the world’s only museum dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill was inaugurated.

What to Explore at the Churchill War Museum

1. War Cabinet Rooms: these rooms were where Churchill and his inner circle of collaborators planned the war. The chair from which Churchill presided over meetings is still visible, bearing marks left by his hands, a testament to the intense pressure he faced during those gatherings.

2. Telephone Room: this room hosted top-secret conversations between Churchill and US President Roosevelt. Meanwhile, in Churchill’s Kitchen, chefs selected for their reliability prepared the Prime Minister’s modest meals.

3. Churchill’s Office: equipped with a single bed, Churchill reportedly slept in this office only three times during the war (although it’s said he had his personal bathtub installed in the bunker). It was from the desk in this room that Churchill delivered four of his famous speeches, including the one on September 11, 1940, warning the population of Hitler’s plan to unleash a war of attrition against the UK.

4. Map Room: this room serves as the heart of the complex, frozen in time since the lights were finally turned off on August 16, 1945. Maps adorn the walls, with small markers indicating Allied progress.

The Churchill War Rooms offer a vivid and immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and witness first-hand the nerve centre of British wartime operations and the remarkable leadership of Winston Churchill. As we explore these historic corridors, we not only remember the past but also honour those who shaped it.

Adding to the allure of the Churchill War Rooms is their cinematic representation. In the film The Darkest Hour, the War Rooms were reconstructed in a studio setting. However, the cast frequently visited the actual site to ensure the utmost historical accuracy, further cementing the significance of this underground complex in both reality and reel.

Explore the Churchill War Rooms with Urban Saunters, your local and intimate exploration companion through London