Uncovering secrets from the past, we explore the role a wartime spy school concealed deep in Hampshire's New Forest. Established to train secret agents to 'set Europe ablaze', the school had a lasting legacy that remains relevant today.

Hidden in Hampshire's New Forest, a cluster of large country homes bear scant evidence of their WWII role as the Special Operations Executive's main spy school. Here, secret agents refined their skills before being sent behind enemy lines to, as Churchill directed, 'set Europe ablaze.'

Set against the role of one SOE instructor in developing the concept of 'black propaganda', our story joins the dots of a once secret history. With a caste of colourful characters, including an infamous Soviet traitor and the Queen's brother, the 'coms plan' for D-Day and the model for what would become America's Central Intelligence Agency, we explore how amateurism and heroism combined to develop the concept of 'secret warfare' that connects to current global events.

Event Times

• Saturday 14 September: 2:45- 3.30pm

Booking Information

Pre-booking: Preferred.

Places are limited, so please book your place using the link below. Registration will close when we reach capacity (max. 170 per tour).

Address & Directions

The ARC, Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8SB.

Next to Winchester Library, 5 mins walk from Winchester Railway Station.

Additional Information

Max 170 people per tour/session. 45 minutes.

Organised by:

Jim McKee

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