Women of Wartime – Secrets tells untold story of MI5 at Blenheim Palace
To mark the 85th anniversary, a fascinating new trail at Blenheim Palace entitled Women of Wartime – Secrets will tell the story of MI5 HQ’s move from London to Britain’s Greatest Palace, where an army of women worked for Britain’s counter-espionage unit for around eight years.
In September 1940, MI5 was forced to move its headquarters to Blenheim Palace after its previous temporary home, Wormwood Scrubs prison, was bombed during The Blitz.
From September 3rd to 30th, visitors to Blenheim Palace will be able to discover the stories of the women behind this vital work and their daily lives; their roles at MI5 and how they spent their free time. There will also be the chance to pick up a special code-breaking sheet and try to decipher the secret message.
The new MI5 trail, which will take visitors to a myriad locations including the Flagstaff gate, Great Court and Long Library, is packed with fascinating facts which are no longer ‘top secret’, including:
- Art historian and Russian spy Anthony Blunt was a regular wartime visitor to Blenheim Palace, and would occasionally conduct tours and lectures on the palace’s prized collection
- Larger rooms such as the Great Hall and the Long Library were partitioned with plywood and made into smaller office areas
- Unbeknown to Churchill at the time, Blenheim Palace would never be a Nazi bombing target, as Hitler wanted it for himself, should he successfully invade England
Carmen Alvarez, Collections and Conservation Manager at Blenheim Palace said: “The story behind MI5’s move to Blenheim Palace is a fascinating one – and this new temporary trail will be a revelation to anyone with any interest in wartime history and women’s vital role in the Allied victory.”
Admission to see Women of Wartime – Secrets is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, making it fantastic value for enjoying all that Britain’s Greatest Palace has to offer.
For information on Blenheim Palace and the display, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/the-women-of-wartime-secrets/
ENDS
For more information, contact Cab Campaign – [email protected]
About Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and is the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.
With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of sporting and cultural events, themed exhibitions and tours all year around.
A short miniature train ride away from the Palace is the Walled Garden, which boasts interactive areas entirely dedicated for families to explore including Adventure Play and the Rowse Honey Hive, The Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. With curated events, an exciting programme of annual activities, entertainment and dedicated eateries for families, these areas guarantee a memorable family day out.
Beyond the grounds and an array of Formal Gardens, the total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups.
Blenheim Palace is Britain’s Greatest Palace.
