The Churchill War Rooms
This photo was taken during my last, very special visit to London with my sister, and I’m thrilled to be going back soon. Having lived in London the first 11 years of my life, I consider it another home, I visit frequently, and it will forever have a very special place in my heart. I often get asked for recommendations of things to do in London, and I am always delighted to share what I love about this wonderful city. When it comes to historical sites, there is one in particular that tops my list: The Churchill War Rooms.
Surprisingly, The Churchill War Rooms get overlooked by most visitors. Though situated in Central London’s St. James neighborhood, these rooms exist in underground bunkers, identified only by a small black canopied entrance at street level. This may explain why the site is easily overshadowed by the colossal presence of the London Tower and the physical grandeur of London’s palaces and museums. Still, it is one of the most remarkable and unique places to visit and will always keep its place at the top of my list.
If you haven’t already seen it, and if you enjoy historical movies, I highly recommend the 2017 movie, The Darkest Hour, starring the unrecognizable Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill.
The audio guided tour takes you through the corridors, where you can see the rooms in which the British Government, led by Winston Churchill, lived and plotted its victory during World War II. It is quite remarkable to see the very same beds that cabinet members, their spouses, and employees slept in, the exact kitchen where their meals were prepared, the conference rooms, the telecommunications equipment they used, and the most popular map room, all fully intact. To be in that space, while hearing stories of what transpired there, is truly moving. I am in awe of what Churchill and his government were able to accomplish against all odds.
Remembering such heroes of the past, and marveling at their exceptional determination and strength in the face of tyranny, helps inspire heroes of today. It helps strengthen our hope for a better tomorrow.