Chequers: The Prime Minister's Country House and Its History - Hardcover

Major, Norma

3.89

9 ratings by Goodreads

9780789203199: Chequers: The Prime Minister's Country House and Its History

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789203197 ISBN 13: 9780789203199

Publisher: Cross River Pr, 1997

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Dating from the 16th century, Chequers is one of Britain's most familiar yet least known country houses. As the country residence of the Prime Minister, it is not open to the public, and until now few photographs of it have been published. In this enlightening, well-researched history of the estate, Norma Major, wife of the current Prime Minister, opens the door to Chequers and takes us on a guided tour of one of Britain's most interesting national treasures.

Thanks to her unprecedented access to photographs and documents that have not been available to the public, Mrs. Major not only shows us the house and its spectacular collection of paintings and furnishings but also introduces us to many of its colorful former inhabitants, including Lady Mary Grey, who was imprisoned there, and Sir Winston Churchill, who made many of his stirring wartime speeches from Chequers. The author has also had the opportunity to talk to past prime ministers and their families about how they used the house and the changes they made during their occupancy.

Mark Fiennes's specially commissioned photographs reveal the interiors as they now look and provide intriguing comparisons with early photographs from the Chequers archives. With its combination of historical anecdotes and architectural research, this book is the perfect gift for Anglophiles, history buffs, and those interested in architecture and the decorative arts.

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About the Author:

Norma Major's first book, a biography of the opera singer Joan Sutherland, was published to great acclaim in 1987. Her time spent at Chequers during her husband's term as Prime Minister (1990-1997) gave her a unique opportunity to research and write this book.

From Booklist:

A new book by the wife of Britain's current prime minister allows Anglophiles the unique opportunity to vicariously peer into ornate parlors, stroll through rose gardens, and survey the art collection of Chequers, the splendid country estate where prime ministers have spent time relaxing when not conducting government business or entertaining foreign heads of state. In addition to providing readers with glimpses of fine antiques and magnificent interiors, Major provides history buffs with an expansive accounting of the house itself, detailing numerous events and experiences that add color to the overall story of its occupation by renowned political figures. Period and modern photographs add substantially to a commendable effort that invites readers to visit a thus-far private residence steeped in history. Alice Joyce

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