Church House Conference Centre, one of London’s leading conference and events venues is celebrating its 21st birthday this year and marking the occasion with a series of events and activities. The latest of which is the identification of 21 little known facts about the venue…
Church House Conference Centre, general manager, Robin Parker said: “Church House was opened to the public as an events venue in 1990. This means we have the honour of sharing our birthday with The Simpsons and the slightly more dubious honour of sharing it with the UK launch of Baywatch. On the occasion of our 21st birthday we have decided to compile a list of 21 facts about Church House and our surrounding area – facts which also indicate how the Centre has been associated with some of the key events in our history – including some rather unusual meetings and some interesting facts and figures!”
One of Church House least known but most interesting facts is its role as an alternative venue for parliament. The building suffered a direct hit in the early part of WWII but due to its exceptional construction only minimal damage was done. The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was so impressed that the building was refurbished for use by the two Houses of Parliament for the remainder of the war. Many historic speeches and events took place within the building during this time, in particular the announcement, by Churchill from the stage of the Hoare Memorial Hall, of the sinking of the battleship Bismarck.
21 facts about the Church House Conference Centre and its surrounding area include:
1. Westminster was originally an island called Thorney Island. 2. The original church on Thorney Island was built by Edward the Confessor 3. Only after the church was built was Westminster renamed – meaning “west church” 4. The Church was first consecrated in December 1065 5. William the Conqueror was the first king to be crowned in the church on Christmas Day 1066 6. Parliament Square in Westminster was Britain’s first roundabout – long before Milton Keynes was even conceived! 7. The original Church House was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria 8. The current building was designed by the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker and the foundation stone was laid in 1937 by Her Majesty Queen Mary 9. The building was officially opened by His Majesty, King George VI, on 10 June 1940 10. The building suffered a direct hit in the early part of WWII 11. Church House was used by both Houses of Parliament during the war 12. Churchill’s speech about the sinking of the Bismark was made in the Hoare Memorial Hall 13. In 1945 the first meeting of the United Nations Preparatory Commission and Security Council was held at Church House 14. Church House was granted Grade II listed status in 1988 15. The Conference Centre opened in 1990 and celebrates its 21st birthday this year 16. The Conference Centre shares its birthday with the Simpsons and Baywatch! 17. In 1990 when the Conference first opened petrol was just 40p a litre, the average house price was £72,000, inflation was 9.5% and interest rates were 13.8%, oh for the good old days!! 18. Church House Conference Centre is still used for one week each year by the Church of England to hold its General Synod the equivalent to the Churches Parliament 19. The Conference Centre now holds over 800 events a year 20. Church House Conference Centre has its own division bell for parliament due to the number of MP’s who visit the venue for various different events 21. hurch House provided access to its roof top for international television channels for live broadcasts around the Royal Wedding
Church House Conference Centre has a range of exquisite rooms, historic interiors and stunning conference and event facilities available to organisers.