A MAJOR historical find gives details of Sir Winston Churchill’s visit to Worcester and the five-year campaign by city mayors to get him here.

Hundreds of original documents, including seven signed letters by Sir Winston dating from 1947 to 1949, were found in the Guildhall in the drawer of a filing cabinet in the manager’s office where they lay undisturbed for more than 60 years.

The collection tells the story of how the city of Worcester offered the then Mr Churchill the Freedom of Worcester at the end of the Second World War and efforts by the mayors between 1945 and 1950 to secure his visit to formally receive it.

When he arrived in the city on May 20, 1950, thousands of people lined the High Street around the Guildhall to welcome him.

The documents also detail the arrangements for the ceremony and luncheon.

John Bennett, whose father Alderman Thomas Stanley Bennett was Mayor of Worcester at the time of the visit, said he remembered the historic event well. Mr Bennett, who was 18 at the time, said: “Worcester was extremely honoured and the Churchills were delighted with their visit here because it was so friendly.

“Worcester gave him the warmest welcome.”

“With his history behind him it was fantastic to meet him. He made me feel at ease.”

Sir Winston travelled to Worcester overnight and visited the Bennett’s home, but his wife Clementine arrived the night before and stayed with them.

Mr Bennett, who is now 80, and lives in Lower Wick, said: “I remember she was very gracious, of course, and got on very well with my parents.

“It was a huge honour for us as a family to meet them and offer them hospitality before their historic visit to the Guildhall.”

Sheena Payne-Lunn, Worcester City Council’s historic environment record officer, said: “What is so remarkable is just how much detail is contained within the collection – it is such a colourful reminder of the impact Churchill had on our nation during its darkest hour, and of the outpouring of public gratitude that he received in the years after the Second World War.

“The fact that Sir Winston ever visited the city is really a testament to the dogged determination of successive mayors of the city at a time when he was very much in demand.”

The documents, which are now securely stored, will be recorded in detail and placed in the Hive before going on display in Worcester City Museum in Foregate Street later this year.