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.
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.
