BIRTH OF AN ICON
Completed in 1906, the Old War Office is one of the great buildings of the Edwardian Age.
Home of Legends
WORKS OF ART
Alfred Drury’s exquisite emblematic sculptures set the tone, including ‘Truth and Justice’ shown here.
FOUNDATIONS OF POWER
A space of epic scale, more than 1,000 rooms were linked by two-and -a-half miles of corridors.
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OUR STORY
A RICH HISTORY
Designed by British architect William Young, the War Office was built on the site of the Palace of Whitehall – home for centuries to English monarchs, including King Henry VIII. Built in the Baroque style, the landmark building was completed in 1906 and stood as silent witness to world-shaping events of the twentieth century. Influential political and military leaders, including Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane and T. E. Lawrence walked these corridors of power, while the Grade II* listed building inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, and has featured in numerous Bond films. Today, the legacies of the Old War Office’s iconic cast of characters continue in the names of the suites and rooms of The OWO. The story continues.
MANSFIELD CUMMINGS
Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service and the inspiration for ‘M’ in Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
T. E. LAWRENCE
Before finding fame as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the archaeologist, diplomat and writer was employed at the War Office.
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
As Secretary of State for War from 1919- 1921, Churchill occupied a grand suite of offices here.
JOHN PROFUMO
The notorious Secretary of State for War whose actions nearly brought down the British government in the 1960s.
SIR IAN FLEMING
Inspired by the building’s resident spies, the James Bond author conjured the idea of 007 within these walls.
LORDS KITCHENER AND HALDANE
Former Secretaries of State – Haldane (left) lay the the foundations for MI5, MI6 and the RAF; Kitchener (right) was the face of the iconic ‘Your Country Needs You” campaign, enlisting 2.5 million volunteers.
MANSFIELD CUMMINGS
Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service and the inspiration for ‘M’ in Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
T. E. LAWRENCE
Before finding fame as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the archaeologist, diplomat and writer was employed at the War Office.
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
As Secretary of State for War from 1919-1921, Churchill occupied a grand suite of offices here.
JOHN PROFUMO
The notorious Secretary of State for War whose actions nearly brought down the British government in the 1960s.
SIR IAN FLEMING
Inspired by the building’s resident spies, the James Bond author conjured the idea of 007 within these walls.
LORDS KITCHENER AND HALDANE
Former Secretaries of State – Haldane (left) lay the the foundations for MI5, MI6 and the RAF; Kitchener (right) was the face of the iconic ‘Your Country Needs You” campaign, enlisting 2.5 million volunteers.
NEW BEGINNINGS
A SIX-YEAR TRANSFORMATION
From seat of power to London’s most thrilling new destination, The OWO’s distinctive heritage has been preserved.
Hundreds of craftspeople restored period features, including hand-laid mosaic floors, rich oak panelling, magnificent chandeliers and the dramatic marble staircase.
A COMPELLING NEW CHAPTER
At the helm of the monumental transformation of the Old War Office building is the Hinduja Group.
GOPICHAND PARMANAND HINDUJA
“The OWO will be my greatest legacy to London for future generations to enjoy.”
A COMPELLING NEW CHAPTER
At the helm of the monumental transformation of the Old War Office building is the Hinduja Group.
GOPICHAND PARMANAND HINDUJA
“The OWO will be my greatest legacy to London for future generations to enjoy.”
HOMES WITHOUT PRECEDENT
The OWO Residences by Raffles – discover a superlative lifestyle within a building of illustrious history.