The funeral of Sir Winston Churchill on 30 January 1965 was broadcast live on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ at national events and audiences turn to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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. The procession route and Order of Service.
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             Richard Dimbleby announced as sole commentator. Richard Dimbleby announced as sole commentator.
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             Richard Dimbley pays tribute to his producer for the Churchill state funeral broadcast. Richard Dimbley pays tribute to his producer for the Churchill state funeral broadcast.
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             Commentator thanks colleague for his letters about Churchill's funeral. Commentator thanks colleague for his letters about Churchill's funeral.
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             Peter Dimmock shares the latest arrangements for 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Archives, talks about restoring the footage.
January anniversaries
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              The Six Wives of Henry VIII1 January 1970
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              The Brains Trust1 January 1941
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              The Archers1 January 1951
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              Z Cars2 January 1962
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              Trumpton3 January 1967
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              Open University3 January 1971
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              Camberwick Green3 January 1966
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              Final edition of The Listener published3 January 1991
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              Gardeners' World5 January 1968
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              A Question of Sport5 January 1970
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              Forces Programme7 January 1940
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              Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit10 January 1990
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              First in-vision television weather forecaster11 January 1954
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              The League of Gentlemen11 January 1999
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              Goodness Gracious Me12 January 1998
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              Listen with Mother16 January 1950
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              Life On Earth16 January 1979
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              First episode of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Breakfast Time17 January 1983
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              Blankety Blank18 January 1979
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              The Week's Good Cause24 January 1926
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              Under Milk Wood25 January 1954
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              Television Dancing Club27 January 1948
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              Desert Island Discs29 January 1942
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              Newsnight30 January 1980
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              The State Funeral of Sir Winston Churchill30 January 1965
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              Alas Smith and Jones31 January 1984
