The funeral of Sir Winston Churchill on 30 January 1965 was broadcast live on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and seen around the world. It was the first state funeral of a politician in the century and the biggest national event since the Coronation of 1953. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ chose Richard Dimbleby as the sole presenter for over 4 hours of television coverage. Dimbleby's grave and informed coverage was widely praised, and he received 1600 letters from viewers.
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ positioned 36 cameras along the route of the cortege, which went from Westminster Hall to St Paul's and then back along the river from Tower Hill to the Festival Hall, before departing by train from Waterloo for Bladon. They recorded the full ceremonial but also captured the unexpected, such as the moment the dockside cranes were lowered in salute. Dimbleby covered the whole event from the control room in St Paul's Cathedral.
Dimbleby reported that the Queen watched the 90 minute highlights programme in the evening – having been a participant during the day - which he felt was a testament to the success of the broadcast. Sadly Richard Dimbleby lost his battle with cancer and died at the end of the year. Today his son David is often the voice of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ at national events and audiences turn to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ for comprehensive and authoritative coverage.
Obituary: Winston Spencer Churchill 1874 – 1965
Churchill's State funeral: Documents from the Written Archive
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The procession route and Order of Service. -
Richard Dimbleby announced as sole commentator. -
Richard Dimbley pays tribute to his producer for the Churchill state funeral broadcast. -
Commentator thanks colleague for his letters about Churchill's funeral. -
Peter Dimmock shares the latest arrangements for Churchill's funeral.
Links
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Churchill: The Nation's Farewell On the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill's death, Jeremy Paxman tells the story of his state funeral and examines whether Churchill's immense legacy still has resonance today.
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Sir Mortimer and Magnus First transmitted in 1974, Magnus Magnusson talks to Sir Mortimer Wheeler about Winston Churchill's writing
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Great Lives: Sir Winston Churchill Lord Digby Jones chooses Winston Churchill, with expert contribution from Professor David Reynolds and Matthew Parris in the chair.
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Witness History: the Funeral of Winston Churchill Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service programme
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Churchill's Chartwell in Kent Marking the fiftieth anniversary of his death, Helen Mark explores the family home and grounds of Sir Winston Churchill, Chartwell in Kent, to learn how the landscape inspired him.
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Churchill's Grave To mark the fiftieth anniversary of Winston Churchill's death, William Crawley travels to the wartime leader's final resting place in the Oxfordshire village of Bladon.
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James Rowland, Senior Media Manager, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Archives, talks about restoring the footage.
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The State Funeral of Sir Winston Churchill
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