Norfolk House facts for kids
Norfolk House was a grand building located at 31 St James's Square in London, England. It was built in 1722 for the Duke of Norfolk, a very important noble family in Britain. For a short time, it even became a home for a royal family member!
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A Royal Home
Norfolk House became a royal residence between 1737 and 1741. This was when Frederick, Prince of Wales, lived there. He was the son of King George II and the father of the future King George III.
Prince Frederick moved into Norfolk House after he married Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha in 1736. The 9th Duke of Norfolk offered the house to the royal couple. A very important event happened there: King George III, who would later rule Britain, was born in Norfolk House!
From Grand House to Office Block
The original Norfolk House was a beautiful ducal townhouse. However, it was eventually replaced. In 1938, the grand old house was torn down. In its place, a new office block was built. This modern building also took the name "Norfolk House."
This office block continued to stand for many years. It was even planned for demolition and redevelopment after 2019, showing how city landscapes can change over time.
A Place of Important History: World War II
Even though the original Norfolk House was replaced, the new building on the same site played a crucial role in history, especially during World War II. It became a secret and vital headquarters for the Allied forces.
Planning for Freedom
From June 1942 to November 1942, Norfolk House was home to the first Allied Force Headquarters. This is where Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a General in the United States Army and later became President, worked. He was the Supreme Allied Commander.
At Norfolk House, General Eisenhower and other military leaders from different Allied countries planned a very important operation called "Operation Torch." This was a major military plan to free North Africa from enemy control.
Later, from January 1944 to June 1944, General Eisenhower returned to Norfolk House. This time, he was the Supreme Allied Commander for the Allied Expeditionary Force. From this building, he and his team planned "Operation Overlord." This was the massive invasion of Normandy, France, on D-Day (June 6, 1944). Operation Overlord was a huge step towards freeing North West Europe from enemy occupation.
Two special plaques on the building remember General Eisenhower's important work at Norfolk House. They honor his leadership and the efforts made there to bring freedom to many parts of the world during World War II.
Images for kids
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Norfolk House in 1932
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The location of Norfolk House is shown on this 1799 map.
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The office block known as "Norfolk House" which replaced the ducal townhouse in 1938, and which is due for demolition and redevelopment after 2019
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The Music Room from Norfolk House, St James's Square, London, 1748–1756 V&A Museum no. W.70:1-1938
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Plaque says: Norfolk House in this building 24 June 1942 – 8 November 1942 General of the army Dwight D Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander formed the first Allied Force Headquarters and in conjunction with the commanders of the fighting services of the Allied Nations and the Authorities in Washington and London planned and launched Operation "Torch" for the liberation of North Africa and later 16 January 1944 – 6 June 1944 as Supreme Allied Commander Allied Expeditionary Force in conjunction with the commanders of the fighting services of the Allied Nations and the authorities in Washington and London he planned and launched Operation "Overlord" for the liberation of North West Europe.
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Plaque says: The United States of America recognizes the selfless service and manifold contributions of General Dwight David Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, 1944–1945. At this site, General Eisenhower, on behalf of Freedom loving peoples throughout the World, directed the Allied Expeditionary Forces against Fortress Europe, 6 June 1944. This Plaque was dedicated by a United States Department of Defense delegation and the Eisenhower family on 4 June 1990 during the Centennial year of his birth and the 46th Anniversary of Operation Overlord.
