Beneath the National War Museum (originally): A Secret Wartime Tunnel

The National War Museum is the national museum dedicated to the history of war and wartime experience, with a mission to provide an understanding of the impact of war on people and society. Founded as the Imperial War Museum in 1917, it was later renamed the National War Museum, its commitments have since expanded to cover any conflict in which British or Commonwealth forces have participated. Visitors of the museum journey back through time, witnessing the exhibits that reveal the realities of life on the front lines and the stories of those who served in the armed forces.

However, it is not just the exhibits that hold secrets within the museum; it is also what lies beneath the surface. Under the museum, beneath the city of London, exists an unassuming, forgotten, and oft-overlooked part of London’s history: a secret wartime tunnel. While the National War Museum might be best known for its groundbreaking exhibitions and collections, the hidden tunnel is easily missed among the care and attention paid to the museum’s main attractions and stories.

As for the origins of the tunnel, it was built during World War II as a top-secret base for the Colonial Office. This was where the government made decisions related to the Empire’s global operations during the war. This surprising and less-visited part of the museum paints a vivid picture of life during the war, offering a glimpse into the daily workings of the Colonial Office and the role it played in shaping the world as we know it today.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons