Today marks 150 years since the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s legendary wartime Prime Minister known for his top hats, cigars, and unwavering leadership during World War II.
The anniversary celebrates a man who shaped not only British but global history through decades of military and political service.
“Churchill is a pivotal figure in history, certainly British history and twentieth century history,” Kate Clements, Curator of Churchill War Rooms in London said.
“He was a global figure. He was a world statesmen during his lifetime,” she adds.
Beyond his role as Britain’s leader during its darkest hours, Churchill carved out a remarkable career as both a military officer and war correspondent before ascending to the nation’s highest office.
“He was a towering figure in many ways,” notes Clements, reflecting on the enduring impact of a man who would ultimately become one of Britain’s most celebrated leaders.
His early years, despite the privileges of aristocratic birth, were challenging ones that would help shape the character of Britain’s future leader.
Churchill’s path to leadership began at Sandhurst military academy, where he trained before joining the Royal Cavalry in 1895.
When war broke out and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain resigned in 1940, Churchill was called upon to lead Britain against Nazi Germany.
“Churchill’s leadership really was pivotal for Britain,” Clements said. “He changed the atmosphere. His leadership can’t be underestimated.”
“He didn’t stop. He worked himself tirelessly,” she added.
His speeches from this period, including “We shall fight them on the beaches” and “The Few,” became some of the most memorable in the English language.
Although Churchill is celebrated as one of the UK’s greatest Prime Ministers for his leadership during World War II, many of his views and actions – which some now regard as racist – have faced significant criticism.
In 1937, prior to World War II, he expressed a lack of sympathy for Native Americans and Black Australians, who had been enslaved and displaced by white colonisers.
Despite historical debates about his views on race, Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square continues to draw thousands of visitors annually from Britain and abroad.
