Backpackers Guide to London

Cabinet War Rooms

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Introduction

“This is the room from which I will direct war.” – Sir Winston Churchill

The Cabinet War Rooms, formerly the secret underground headquarter during the First World War, is now a museum honoring the life and finest hour of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

One of the rooms of this museum is the Map Room, which was the central hub of the whole site until the end of WWI. Its name refers to the large-scale maps of the Atlantic, the United Kingdom and Far Eastern seas, as well as the Pacific route taken by the American forces.

Historical Significance

Churchill so appreciated the value of the Cabinet War Rooms that he insisted on having the most convenient possible access to the Map Room, and had his office built beside it. It was in this room that he met with the Heads of States, military officials, and political figures for crucial decisions.

With Sir Winston Churchill presiding over meetings with the coalition (including all sides of the Parliament, his War Cabinet, and Chiefs of Staff) the Cabinet Room became the inner chamber of the British Government. It was also the room regularly used by Churchill’s primary instrument for conducting war, the Defense Committee. Because of this, the Cabinet War Rooms has seen the beginnings and end of the First World War.

Since the day the room was closed down on August 16, 1945, every book and map has been left untouched.

Other Attractions

Also seen in this museum is Churchill’s room. Though more comfortable than any other room in the complex, he rarely spent the night in this room, opting to retire to his official residence at Downing Street. One of the significant rooms in the complex is the Transatlantic Telephone Room that allowed the Prime Minister and the President of the United States to conduct critical war tactics in absolute confidentiality. The Cabinet War Rooms is an underground complex so vital to our global history that it is a must-visit destination of every traveler.

By visiting the Cabinet War Rooms, tourists can see some of the world’s greatest historical milestones from another perspective, and appreciate the courage of the leaders who steered the country through its most trying times.

Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677