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Today, De Vere Latimer Estate in collaboration with author and historian, Dr Helen Fry, has unveiled a short new film called ‘What lies Beneath.’ The film, for the first time ever, explores the cellars at Latimer House which played a significant role in World War II.
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment project, Latimer House is now a luxury hotel known as De Vere Latimer Estate, and it was one of the most important espionage sites during the Second World War. During WWII, the property played an integral part in British history as it housed high-ranking prisoners of War, captured German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots, who were inadvertently revealing secrets of great military importance whilst being held in the stately home.
Thousands of German prisoners of war were sent to Latimer House and many were transported to the underground cellars throughout the night. It was run by British intelligence and in particular, a spymaster called Colonel Thomas Kendrick, who devised a master plan to befriend the German Generals and most importantly, spy on the German prisoners of all ranks.
During the war, in original cells underneath Latimer House and in a special building (‘the spider’) in the grounds of the estate, Kendrick had planted hidden microphones which were all linked to the M Room where the secret listeners were based. Kendrick needed fluent German speakers, so he recruited German Jews who had fled Nazi Germany and they became the secret listeners.The listeners recorded thousands of snippets of information which proved to be extremely valuable in the war effort.
Author and Historian, Dr Helen Fry, commented: “What happened at De Vere Latimer Estate during World War II is now recognised as significant as the Enigma code breaking at Bletchley Park. Exclusively gaining access to the underground cellars and showcasing just how much of a major part Latimer House played in World War II has been tremendously fascinating. I really do believe that it’s now the time the property and its history receive the recognition it deserves.”
Ross Blezard, General Manager at De Vere Latimer Estate, commented: “We’re delighted to be the custodians of such an important property, and we can’t thank Dr Helen Fry enough for unveiling even more of the remarkable history of De Vere Latimer Estate. By investing in the refurbishment of Latimer House and transforming it into a luxury mansion house hotel, we have preserved the extraordinary history of the property for guests to experience for years to come.”
The premiere of the film was hosted at De Vere Latimer Estate on Thursday 18th July. Dr Helen Fry was in attendance and answered questions from the crowd about Latimer Estate’s involvement in the Second World War. The evening was celebrated with dignitaries including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess and Earl of Howe.
The full video is now available to watch here: What Lies Beneath | De Vere
To download the full video and for media interviews with Helen Fry please contact devere@daviestannerpr.com
