Winston Churchill, the iconic British Prime Minister, was not just a brilliant wartime leader—he had plenty of quirks and interesting habits that made him a fascinating character. Here are some cool tidbits:

He Loved a Good Bath

Churchill had a curious ritual—he often worked from his bathtub! He would hold meetings, dictate letters, and even read official papers while soaking in hot water. His staff became accustomed to this odd habit and would often deliver messages to him while he was in the bath. Churchill believed baths were essential for his relaxation and creativity.

Power Napper Extraordinaire

Churchill was a huge believer in naps! He would take a two-hour nap every day, no matter how busy he was—even during World War II! He believed that this habit helped him work late into the night with renewed energy. Churchill once said, "Nature had not intended mankind to work from eight in the morning until midnight without that refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only lasts 20 minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces."

He Wore a Romper—Yes, Really!

Churchill had a unique outfit he wore around his house called a “siren suit,” which was essentially a onesie for adults. It was designed to be quickly put on in case of air raids during World War II. He loved it so much that he had several made, in colors like blue velvet and even pinstripes! It was comfortable, functional, and distinctly Churchillian.

A Serious Champagne Habit

Churchill was known for his love of alcohol, but his favorite was champagne—specifically Pol Roger. He once famously said, “In victory, I deserve it. In defeat, I need it.” He reportedly drank champagne every day (yes, every day) and claimed that he had consumed over 42,000 bottles in his lifetime. Pol Roger even named a special vintage in his honor!

Nobel Prize Winner—but Not for Peace

While many associate Churchill with war, he was actually awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. The prize was given in recognition of his historical writings and speeches, particularly his six-volume memoir The Second World War. Churchill was an exceptional writer and speaker, using his words to rally nations during some of history’s darkest times.

Battle with Black Dog

Despite his larger-than-life persona, Churchill struggled with depression, which he referred to as his “black dog.” He was remarkably open about his mental health struggles and used the term frequently in his letters and conversations. Churchill’s battle with depression didn’t stop him from leading with courage, and he often found ways to cope through his work and hobbies.

He Loved a Good Bath

Churchill had a curious ritual—he often worked from his bathtub! He would hold meetings, dictate letters, and even read official papers while soaking in hot water. His staff became accustomed to this odd habit and would often deliver messages to him while he was in the bath. Churchill believed baths were essential for his relaxation and creativity.

The Defiant Cigar

Churchill was rarely seen without his signature cigar. He loved them so much that he would smoke between eight and ten cigars a day! During WWII, he famously posed for a photo at a Canadian air base with his cigar, but the photographer cheekily took it away for a clean image. Churchill’s stern expression in the photo is rumored to be because he noticed his cigar had been snatched away!

Dangerous Hobby

Churchill was a man of many talents, but he wasn’t exactly graceful. One of his favorite activities was bricklaying, which he took very seriously. However, it was also one of his dangerous hobbies—he once fell off some scaffolding while working on a wall at his country home, Chartwell, and was knocked unconscious. Despite this, Churchill continued his bricklaying and even became an honorary member of the Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers.

Escaped from Prison! 

During the Second Boer War, Churchill worked as a war correspondent in South Africa and was captured by enemy forces. In true action-hero style, he escaped from the prison camp, traveling 300 miles to freedom. This daring escape made him a national hero and kick-started his political career.

The Parrot Outlived Him

Churchill had a pet parrot named Charlie, who could live up to 100 years, and was taught to mimic Churchill’s voice—complete with some colorful language! Charlie the parrot was said to curse out Hitler in Churchill’s voice, much to the amusement of visitors. Amazingly, Charlie outlived Churchill by decades, reportedly living until the 2000s!

Had a Peculiar Diet

Churchill wasn’t one for strict diets. He began his mornings with a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and marmalade, paired with a whisky soda (yep, in the morning!). His meals were long, leisurely affairs, and he once claimed that eating well was one of life’s true pleasures. Despite his heavy meals, Churchill lived to be 90!