The Fascinating Churchill War Rooms- 5 Interesting Facts

Are you visiting London soon but still don’t know what to do there or where to go? Well, here is one thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting London! Churchill War Rooms, a part of London’s Imperial War Museum. It is one of the most exciting places, yet sometimes it is underrated. Visiting the museum, located underneath the streets of Westminster, is recommended for its high historical value. That will not be a waste of time at all!

At the museum, you will unravel many secrets about the brilliance and courage of a very significant man in Britain’s history: Winston Churchill. In these underground rooms, the prime minister, with the help of Britain’s great leaders, made history by leading Britain towards a remarkable triumph in World War II. Moving around the rooms and hallways, you will relive the experience and be introduced to many interesting facts about the great man, including his small private room where he hid from the German incursions.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is a significant British national museum with five branches around England, dating back dozens of years. Three of the five branches are in London, including Churchill’s War Room Museum. In 1917, the Imperial War Museum in England was created to document the extraordinary hard work, struggles, and bravery of Britain’s warmen in both military and civil fields during World War I.

The Imperial War Museum London was initially located in the Crystal Palace and was available for public visits starting in 1920. Later, the museum was moved many times. In 1924, it was transferred to the Imperial Institute in South Kensington. Then, in 1936, it was moved again to the place previously known as “Bethlem Royal Hospital” to take its final place.

With the eruption of World War II, the museum underwent a new expansion process to start documenting facts and saving the new collections regarding the war. Sadly, after the War, the Imperial Museum was abandoned until it was renovated again in the 1960s to be officially called “The Imperial War Museum London.” Another expansion occurred in the 1970s when different museum branches were created at other sites.

Starting in 2012, one of the museum’s objectives was “to provide for, and to encourage, the study and understanding of the history of modern war and ‘wartime experience’.”

Unmissable Churchill War Rooms

As mentioned, the Churchill War Rooms Museum is part of London’s five-branch Imperial War Museum. The War Rooms encompass “The Cabinet War Rooms,” an underground cinema where the prime minister stayed during the World War, and “The Churchill Museum,” a museum featuring Winston Churchill’s life journey.

History of  the Churchill War Rooms

In 1938, the Cabinet War Rooms were built below the Treasury building in Westminster to function fully by August 1939. Only a week after the rooms were up and running, Britain proclaimed war on Germany. Since the declaration of the war and until Japan’s surrender in 1945, the War Rooms remained operational to serve the Second World War. By 1945, the underground rooms were abandoned.

Churchill War Rooms only started to be celebrated after the war and were under the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, then the Department for the Environment. By this time, citizens were only allowed to visit by prior appointment. By the beginning of the 1980s, The Imperial War Museum London took responsibility for opening the War Rooms publicly in 1984. In 2005, the Churchill Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms were renovated, and by 2010, they were all called the “Churchill War Rooms”.

Significance During World War II

These rooms were the central spot where Winston Churchill directed the Second World War. One of the rooms was the central operation spot used for facilities and mapping. The room was frequented by the Royal Air Force, British military, and Royal Navy all day, and they gave day-to-day reports to the King, the Prime Minister, and the high-ranking military leaders.

Another room was Sir Churchill’s Cabinet Room, where important meetings were held. The total number of sessions held at the Cabinet reached 115 between 1393 and 1945. In 1940, Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill announced the room would be his base during the war, saying, ” This is the room from which I will direct the war.”

Churchill Museum

At the Churchill Museum, you will have a one-of-a-kind experience. You will discover the mysteries and stories about the legendary man and his life. The museum exhibits many of Churchill’s original belongings, including his cigars and drawings. It is also a significant exhibit that looks at his complicated relationship with the Middle East. Moreover, visitors get the chance to listen to Sir Churchill’s remarkable wartime speeches that he once gave. He also read some of the letters he wrote to his wife, Clementine.

One of the exhibits is a 15-meter-long table which takes you on a journey around the most significant world events concerning Churchill’s life and actions. With so many pictures, videos, and documents for a complete experience bringing you closer to Sir Winston’s life journey.

Cabinet War Rooms

This underground bunker constructed below the Westminster streets holds many stories, too. Dig deeper into the interesting facts and secrets about strategies and the military men who led Britain to one of its most significant historical victories.

Forget about the world outside and relive the lives of these men. As you move around the rooms and hallways, you can imagine how life was back then. You will get closer to the lives of Winston Churchill and his close men. The more detailed the visit is, the more complete and unique it will be.

It would help if you weren’t missing out on checking out the Map Room, Churchill’s Bedroom and the different offices and resources used during the War. An exciting item you will get to check out at the museum is the small “Transatlantic Telephone Room” camouflaged as a personal toilet. The Prime Minister used the telephone room to contact the President of the United States during wartime.

So Much to Explore in This Museum

Are you fascinated yet?! There is a lot to explore in the museum. To get the most out of your visit, you should give it at least 90 minutes. There is also a lovely cafe at the museum. So, take 90 minutes to tour the underground rooms to explore the interesting facts and some extra time if you wish to have a coffee break.

Perhaps dedicating a day to this experience is fair enough. The museum is usually crowded on weekends and school days, so if you’re not a big fan of overcrowded places, avoid visiting during these times. The best times to visit are 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. So, bear these tips in mind and prepare for your next adventure at the Churchill War Museum!

Preserving the Legacy

In the years following World War II, the Churchill War Rooms were gradually decommissioned and fell into disrepair. However, in the 1980s, efforts were made to preserve this historic site and transform it into a museum commemorating Churchill’s legacy and the wartime experience of the British people.

Today, the Churchill War Rooms Museum stands as a living testament to the courage and determination of those who served and sacrificed during World War II. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine corridors of the War Rooms, marvel at the preserved artefacts and exhibits, and gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of Britain’s war effort.

From Churchill’s private quarters to the original wartime communications equipment, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life during wartime and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to secure victory. Interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and audiovisual presentations bring the history of the War Rooms to life, offering visitors a truly immersive experience.

Conclusion

The Churchill War Rooms symbolise resilience, courage, and leadership in adversity. As the world grappled with the horrors of war, Winston Churchill and his advisors found solace and strength in the depths of London’s underground bunkers, shaping the course of history and securing a brighter future for generations to come.

Today, the Churchill War Rooms Museum serves as a fitting tribute to Churchill’s legacy and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the British people. By preserving this historic site and sharing its story with visitors worldwide, we honour the sacrifices made during World War II and reaffirm our commitment to peace, freedom, and democracy.

In the heart of London, beneath the bustling streets, the Churchill War Rooms stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the power of leadership, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of remembering our shared history.

Have you ever visited the Churchill War Rooms? We would love to hear any experiences you may have!

Also, don’t forget to check out other London-related blogs: The National Gallery| Tate Modern| British Film Institute Shop| Unusual and Uncommon Things to do in London| Top 10 Free Things to do in London| Things to do for Couples in London| Top 10 Things to do in London for Kids|