Churchill's Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm

USAHEC Perspectives Lectures Series (Audio)

During the 1930s, as Europe was teetering on the brink of crisis, Winston Churchill found himself out of government and with little political influence. In these years, his country home in Kent, England, “Chartwell”, became the center of his campaign against the rising threat of Nazi Germany. Churchill invited a diverse group of trusted advisors and informants, including Albert Einstein and T. E. Lawrence, to provide him with valuable intelligence and support as he tirelessly worked to sound the alarm about the looming threat of war.

Katherine Carter's book provides a fascinating account of the remarkable but little-known meetings that took place behind closed doors at Chartwell. From high-profile figures to political leaders, diplomats to spies, Carter reveals a fascinating cast of characters who each made their mark on Churchill's thinking and political strategy. With Chartwell as his base, Churchill was able to gather critical intelligence about Germany's preparations for war, ultimately positioning himself to have a significant impact on the course of history.