During the tumultuous time leading up to WWII, Winston Churchill was out of political office with his career apparently finished. However, behind the scenes Churchill was preparing to meet the oncoming conflict using his home, Chartwell, as his base of operations. Chartwell, with its rich history dating back to the 14th century, served as more than just Churchill’s home—it was a sanctuary where he wrote speeches, composed books, and met with the best political minds of the 20th century. At his dining table, Churchill gathered those who could assist his campaign against German rearmament and the British government’s response to the rising threat of Nazi Germany. The room in many ways was a witness to history. This eclectic gathering of advisors and informants, ranging from household names like Albert Einstein and T. E. Lawrence, to political leaders, diplomats, and spies, played a pivotal role in shaping Churchill’s later strategy as Prime Minister, and ultimately altering the course of history. Katherine Carter, Curator at Chartwell, will un

veil the extraordinary, yet little-known, meetings that took place behind closed doors. Ms. Carter will bring to life the remarkable stories of those who visited and influenced Churchill during this pivotal time. Join us to uncover the hidden history of the meetings at Chartwell, which ultimately influenced the greatest voice of resistance against tyranny.

Katherine Carter is a Curator and Historian specializing in early 20th century British political history, and manages the house and collections at Chartwell for almost a decade. As Curator, she is responsible for the research, conservation, presentation and interpretation of the Churchill family’s home, which typically welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year. Her exhibitions have included ‘Death of a Hero’, ‘Into the Trenches’, ‘Child of the Commons’ and ‘Churchill and the Crown’. Katherine advises organizations and institutions around the world on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill and appears frequently in print and broadcast media. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and speaks on the subject of Winston Churchill internationally. Her first book is Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm, published by Yale University Press on November 5, 2024.

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