Checking Out The Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are actually two museums, The Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. The Churchill War Rooms are the fourth branch of the Imperial War Museum. They are dedicated to the history of World War II and the life and legacy of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. After the devastation of World War I a need was felt to come up with a contingency plan to keep the Prime Minister and high-ranking officials safe. Due to logistical reasons and the fact that Londoners would feel abandoned by their leaders, it was decided to look for a safe location in central London. A group of basement offices in Whitehall thus became The Cabinet War Rooms. They were opened for the public in 1984.

Cabinet War Rooms and Telephone Room

These were a group of secret rooms in the basement of the New Public Offices. They were chosen because they had a large basement and a strong steel frame. The Cabinet War Rooms became fully operational in August 1939, a week before Britain’s declaration of war on Germany. They were a shelter for the Prime Minister and his cabinet, and the place from where he plotted and controlled the war.

At the heart of the War Rooms were the Map Room and Transatlantic Telephone Room. The former acted as the meeting place where all the information was collected for the Prime Minister’s perusal and where the military information centre was based. The latter was where Prime Minister Churchill had conversations with President Roosevelt.

If you are a history buff, especially World War II history, you cannot pass this chance to visit the Churchill War Rooms. Walk in the footsteps of men and women who lived and survived in these secret passages and made history in the fight against tyranny and oppression.

Churchill’s Bunker

Experience the conditions that Churchill and his cabinet, along with all the support staff, must have faced. They lived in fear of being bombed, depended and, in addition, believed in each other. There are interviews with his closest staff, including his personal secretary, documents and stories giving a detailed account of that time.

Churchill Museum

This museum is dedicated to the legacy of one of the key figures of such a crucial time in world history. A well-placed bomb could have destroyed the very place he commanded from. Hence secrecy was paramount. His stoical command of his emotions helped lead a nation in conflict, steadfast and resolute, until victory and survival was secured. Here there are interactive displays, extracts from his speeches, film clips and photographs outlining his life and rise to power.

The nucleus of Britain’s war efforts in World War II, the Cabinet War Rooms were used from 1939 to 1945. After being in use 24/7 for six years, they finally shut down on 16th August 1945. Some of the rooms have been preserved exactly as they were on the day when the War Rooms were closed. It’s like a snapshot of history and days gone by.

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ
Tel: 0207 930 6961
Website: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

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