10 Mind-Blowing Winston Churchill Facts

Winston Churchill is one of the most famous politicians of the 20th Century, and notable for his domineering presence, undeniable wit and unrelenting resilience. Here are 10 facts you didn’t know about one of history’s greatest statesmen.

1. We Shall Fight on the Beaches

Most people have heard Winston Churchill’s “We shall fight on the beaches” speech, which was made in the House of Commons in 1940. What many people don’t know is that afterwards he whispered to a colleague: “And we’ll fight them with the butt ends of broken beer bottles because that’s bloody all we’ve got”.

2. Bricklaying

Winston Churchill loved a bit of bricklaying during his spare time, and built several walls at his Chartwell house.

3. Abraham Lincoln’s Ghost

Churchill claimed to have once seen Abraham Lincoln’s ghost in the White House. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and Ronald Reagan’s daughter, Maureen, also claimed to have witnessed the spirit of the 16th president of the United States.

4. The White House

Speaking of his visit to The White House, during his stay in 1941 he spent most of his personal time naked and drinking brandy.

5. Nobel Prize

In 1953, Winston Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize. You would think that it would have been for peace, right? Well it was actually in literature. It was awarded to the statesman “for his mastery of historical and biographical description, as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values”.

6. New York Accident

During a visit to New York City in 1931, Winston was hit by a car as he left a taxi, as he looked right and not left for cars because he was used to English roads.

7. Armed Lifeboat

Winston Churchill stated he would “resist capture at all costs” when travelling aboard a ship in WWII, and so had a lifeboat mounted with a machine gun.

8. UFOs

Many believe that Winston Churchill masterminded a UFO cover-up, as a squadron of RAF bombers believed they had an encounter with an alien spacecraft during a flight along the British coast, close to Cumbria, following an air raid.

The crew claimed to have seen a hovering metal disc silently shadow their movements, and even took photos of the object. Churchill ordered for the claims to be kept a secret for at least 50 years, as he was concerned of causing a mass panic during WWII.

9. Nothing to Hide

As well as roaming his room drunk sipping brandy, Winston Churchill’s towel fell off from around his waist in front of president Theodore Roosevelt during a conversation. Without batting an eyelid, Churchill said: “You see, Mr President? I have nothing to hide.”

10. The Epitaph

Winston Churchill’s epitaph states: “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” He passed away on 24th January, 1965 at age 90.

Learn about more historical politicians and read 10 Joseph Stalin Facts You’ve Never Read.