NAME Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Winston Churchill is famous for his leadership of the United Kingdom during World War II, his speeches that rallied the British people, and his long career as a statesman, writer, and soldier.
BIRTH Born on November 30, 1874, at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Winston's mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, unexpectedly went into labor while attending a dance at Blenheim Palace on November 28, 1874. She was rushed to the nearest available room, a makeshift cloakroom, where she labored for over 24 hours. Finally, on November 30th at 1:30 am, Winston Churchill was born.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Churchill came from an aristocratic family. His father was Lord Randolph Churchill (1849-1895), a prominent Tory MP and descendant of the Duke of Marlborough.
His mother was American socialite Jenny Jerome. She was known for her beauty, had a permanent bracelet tattooed on her wrist, and was of part Iroquois Native American descent. She was a thrice-married figure with a notable presence in politics, literature, and social circles. Winston had a younger brother named Jack.
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| Jennie Spencer Churchill with her two sons, Jack (left) and Winston (right) in 1889 |
CHILDHOOD Elizabeth Everest was hired as Winston Churchill's nanny when he was just a few months old. She played a significant role in Churchill's early life, becoming a surrogate parent figure due to the limited attention he received from his own parents.
Churchill developed a strong emotional bond with Mrs. Everest, whom he affectionately called "Woom" or "Woomany".
Churchill's attachment to Mrs. Everest was so strong that he later wrote, "she had been my dearest and most intimate friend during the whole of the twenty years I had lived
With his fiery red hair, explosive energy, and mischievous nature, he was a hyperactive and naughty child who dreamed of joining the army. As a teenager, he was notably pale and lacked hair.
Following family tradition, Churchill spent much of his childhood at boarding schools, including Harrow. Despite his letters pleading for his mother to visit or allow him to come home, he was rarely seen by her. Although he closely followed his father's career, their relationship was distant. In 1886, he famously declared, "My daddy is Chancellor of the Exchequer, and one day that's what I'm going to be."
As an infant, Winston Churchill had the same effect on his parents as coffee: he kept them awake all night
EDUCATION Churchill attended two private schools in England. Despite his dyslexia, he remained in the lowest grades at school for a significantly longer period than his peers. Academically, he was as successful as an alchemist, struggling with languages and mathematics but excelling in literature and history.
Churchill's time at Harrow was marked by academic challenges, as he was frequently punished for poor work and lack of effort. His independent and rebellious nature hindered his academic progress, though he did achieve notable success as the school's fencing champion.
After failing the entrance exams to Sandhurst twice, Churchill finally passed on his third attempt in 1893. Entering the Royal Military College near the bottom of his class, he made a remarkable turnaround, graduating eighth out of 102 cadets two years later.
Churchill possessed an incredible memory, capable of reciting lectures or plays verbatim."
CAREER RECORD Churchill's political career was marked by numerous ups and downs, he had an extraordinary capacity for hard work, capable of putting in extremely long hours.
In 1895, he became a sub-lieutenant in the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars. During his first three months of leave, he served as a correspondent in Cuba for the London Daily Graphic. From 1896 to 1898, he served as a cavalry officer in the 4th Hussars, 21st Lancers, and Punjab Infantry Regiment in India and Sudan.
Following the success of his journalism, Churchill resigned from his military commission in 1898 and pursued writing full-time. In 1899, he served as a war correspondent in South Africa and was defeated in the Oldham by-election.
However, Churchill's political fortunes soon turned. He was elected as a Conservative MP for Oldham in 1900 and joined the Liberal Party in 1904 over the issue of free trade. He held various cabinet positions, including Under-Secretary for the Colonies, President of the Board of Trade, Home Secretary, and First Lord of the Admiralty.
Churchill played a crucial role in the First World War, serving as a commander of a battalion, Minister of Munitions, and Minister for War and Air. He also served as Colonial Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer during the 1920s.
Despite a brief period on the backbenches, Churchill remained a vocal critic of appeasement. In 1939, he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty. On May 10, 1940, he became Prime Minister, a position he held until 1945.
After a brief period out of power, Churchill returned as Prime Minister from 1951 to 1955. In his later years, he devoted himself to painting and writing. Churchill retired as an MP in 1964."
APPEARANCE Churchill was 5' 7" (1.70 m), stocky, with a distinctive round face, red hair (grey when older) and a a sub nose. He was often seen wearing a bow tie and hat, and always had a cigar in hand.
A proud mother remarked that her baby looked exactly like Churchill. "Madam, all babies look like me" responded Churchill.
His speech was often characterized by a raspy voice, and he was known to have both a stammer and a lisp that affected many of his public addresses. Despite these speech impediments, Churchill became one of the most renowned orators of the 20th century, delivering powerful speeches that inspired the British public during World War II
FASHION He favored tailored suits, bow ties, and his signature homburg hats. Churchill was known for his practical yet elegant style.
CHARACTER Churchill had a larger-than-life personality, marked by determination, courage, and resilience. He was a complex figure, often described as stubborn and uncompromising. Churchill had a renowned impatience for petti-foggery of any sort.
SENSE OF HUMOUR He was known for his wit and dry sense of humor, often using sarcasm to disarm his opponents.
When the Conservatives unexpectedly lost the 1945 General Election, Winston Churchill was offered a consolation honor by the Crown. His response was, "How can I accept the Order of the Bath from His Majesty when the electorate has given me the Order of the Boot."
A photographer who had been capturing Churchill on his 80th birthday politely expressed his hope to photograph him again on his 100th. Churchill replied with humor, "Why not, young man? You look reasonably young to me."
RELATIONSHIPS When he was a young man, Churchill once proposed to the actress Ethel Barrymore. She declined but remained a friend.
On September 2, 1908, Churchill married Clementine Hozier, a dazzling but largely penniless beauty whom he'd met at a dinner party that March. They tied the knot at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster.
Clementine was a constant presence throughout his long and often difficult career. Their 60-year marriage was marked by her unwavering support, though they faced challenges and came close to divorce.
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| Clementine Churchill in 1915 |
Together, they had five children: Diana, Randolph, Sarah, Marigold, and Mary. Marigold tragically passed away in early childhood. Diana committed suicide at the age of 54. Randolph followed his father into Parliament, while Sarah co-starred with Fred Astaire in the film Royal Wedding. Mary later wrote a book about her parents.
MONEY AND FAME At the turn of the century, if you mentioned "Winston Churchill" to an American, they would likely think of the American author of the same name, who is now largely forgotten. In England, however, Churchill was already a celebrated hero for his daring adventures in South Africa.
Though Churchill struggled with finances early in life, his fame and wealth grew through his political career, his public speaking, and his prolific writing, including winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. By 1943, his salary had reached a substantial £10,000 per year.
FOOD AND DRINK Churchill's tastes ranged from simple traditional dishes to more refined options. He famously said, "My taste is simple. I am easily satisfied with the best
Jenny Jerome, later known as Mrs. Churchill and the mother of Winston Churchill, is credited with inventing the Manhattan Cocktail, a classic mix of whiskey and sweet vermouth.
Churchill was a renowned drinker, with a particular fondness for champagne and brandy. His love for brandy was so well-known that Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, famously caricatured him as a drunk. During World War II, Churchill was known for his marathon drinking sessions, which often lasted late into the night. He once quipped to King George VI, "When I was younger, I made it a rule never to take strong drink before lunch. It is now my rule never to do so before breakfast." His preferred champagne brand was Pol Roger.
Lady Astor, a prominent political figure, once angrily told Churchill, "If you were my husband, I would flavor your coffee with poison." Churchill responded with his characteristic wit, "Madam, if I were your husband, I would drink it."
Winston Churchill was known for his prodigious cigar habit, smoking as many as 10 cigars a day. His affinity for cigars began during his time in Cuba, and he preferred brands like Romeo y Julieta and La Aroma de Cuba. Churchill's smoking was not just a personal habit; it became a significant part of his public persona, often depicted in photographs with a cigar in hand
In the 1996 episode of Frasier titled "The Cigar," Niles referred to Churchill as "That cigar-chomping gin blossom with a face attached."
MUSIC AND ARTS Churchill discovered a passion for painting in his forties, finding solace and joy in the act of creation. He particularly enjoyed landscapes, often choosing vibrant colors to capture the beauty of nature. His unique artistic style earned him recognition, including an invitation to join the Royal Academy.
Even in the afterlife, Churchill expressed his desire to continue painting, declaring, "So get to the bottom of the subject."
Renowned artist Salvador Dali once praised Churchill as "The most amazing painter to come from England where there are no painters."
The exhibition of Churchill's paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1958 attracted a record-breaking 147,750 visitors.
In addition to his political career, Churchill also had a keen interest in film. He worked as a screenwriter for London Films from 1934 to 1939, contributing to projects such as Conquest of Air (1938). His personal favorite film was That Hamilton Lady (1942), and he was a great admirer of the Marx Brothers. However, his colleagues often expressed frustration with his habit of interrupting work to watch films, expecting them to maintain the same level of energy and alertness until the early hours of the morning.
Churchill was invited to the premiere of George Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan but was unable to attend the first night. He wrote to Shaw requesting tickets for the second night, demonstrating his enthusiasm for the theatrical arts.
During World War II, Churchill's radio broadcasts reached millions of English-speaking people. His powerful rhetoric and unwavering determination provided a source of inspiration and hope for many. However, there have been claims that an actor was involved in some of his wartime broadcasts. In 1940, Churchill criticized the BBC, referring to it as "An enemy within the gates doing more harm than good."
Music played a significant role in Churchill's life. One of his favorite songs was "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which provided comfort and strength during the darkest days of the war. Another song that uplifted his spirits was "Keep Right to the End of the Road."
LITERATURE Churchill had a deep appreciation for literature, particularly poetry. While serving as Minister of Munitions in 1917, he would often recite Siegfried Sassoon's anti-war poems to his staff. This demonstrated his respect for the power of words and his recognition of the human cost of conflict.
His favorite novel was reportedly Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1925) by Anita Loos.
Churchill was a prolific writer, producing numerous books on history, politics, and war. His most famous works include The Second World War and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples.
Churchill's literary career began early. His first book, a successful account of skirmishes on the North-West Frontier of India, was published in the late 19th century. He later wrote The River War (1898), a detailed chronicle of the Sudan campaign. His only novel, Savrola (1900), also garnered critical acclaim.
Churchill's historical writings were highly regarded. He received a substantial advance for his 1906 biography of his father, and his works on the First World War, including The World Crisis and The Aftermath, were widely praised. Additionally, he wrote The Eastern Front (1931) and a biography of Marlborough in the 1930s. His four-volume A History of English-Speaking Peoples (1956-1958) remains a classic work.
Churchill won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953
Churchill was also a gifted orator. His powerful and inspiring speeches played a crucial role in rallying the British people during World War II. He is particularly remembered for his famous "finest hour" speech delivered to the House of Commons in 1940, in which he urged the nation to stand firm against Nazi Germany.
NATURE Churchill enjoyed the countryside and found solace in his garden at his home, Chartwell.
PETS Winston Churchill, known for his love of animals, had a colorful menagerie of pets throughout his life. One of his most famous companions was a poodle named Rufus, who shared meals with Churchill and his parakeet, Toby.
Churchill had a particular fondness for pigs, believing that they were more egalitarian than cats or dogs. He often signed off letters with a drawing of a pig. At his country estate, Chartwell, he kept a variety of animals, including black swans, pelicans, tropical fish, butterflies, and dogs and cats.
One of Churchill's most beloved pets was a parrot named Charlie, whom he acquired in the 1930s. Charlie, also known as "Charlie the Cursor," was born in 1899 and lived to be over 100 years old. Churchill reportedly taught Charlie a few swear words.
In his later years, Churchill had a ginger cat named Jock who was a constant companion. Jock slept in Churchill's bed, ate with him, and was even mentioned in his will. It is said that Jock was present at Churchill's bedside when he passed away.
Churchill also had other feline friends, including a black and white cat named Bob who would wait for him at the steps of 10 Downing Street. He adopted a stray black cat named Margate, who was found on the steps of the Prime Minister's residence. Another black cat, named Nelson after Lord Nelson, would often sit in a chair next to Churchill in both the cabinet room and the dining room.
In addition to his other animal companions, Churchill bred butterflies, demonstrating his lifelong interest in nature and the natural world.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Winston Churchill was a man of many talents and interests. While serving in India, he excelled at polo, demonstrating his athletic prowess. He was also a passionate racehorse owner, with a keen eye for talent.
He did not enjoy golf, describing it as "an ineffectual attempt to direct an uncontrollable sphere into an inaccessible hole with instruments ill adapted to the purpose,"
Churchill was a member of the Tuna Club in South California, one of the oldest fishing clubs in the United States.
Churchill was also a skilled craftsman. He built one of the first private swimming pools in England at his country estate, Chartwell, showcasing his practical abilities.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Churchill was a pragmatic thinker with a deep respect for history. He was nominally Anglican but not particularly religious. His writings often reflected his philosophical musings on human nature and war.
He was a Freemason, initiated into the Studholme Lodge in 1902. While he had a strong aversion to Germany, he was also a staunch supporter of democracy, famously stating, "Democracy is the worst system devised by the wit of man except for all the others."
Churchill was drawn to theological imagery, but he was not a regular churchgoer. When asked about his fear of death, he replied, "I am ready to meet my maker, whether my maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter." He once described himself as "not a pillar of the church but a buttress—I support it from the outside."
Churchill's doctor observed, "King and country were about all the religion Winston had."
Churchill's role in establishing the Jewish homeland in Palestine earned him the admiration of many Jews, who saw him as a messianic figure. He was a fervent supporter of Zionism, maintaining his support for both the Jewish homeland and the state of Israel long after World War II.
POLITICS A staunch Conservative, Churchill believed in British imperialism and the Commonwealth. He held numerous government positions and his most notable political achievement was leading Britain through World War II as Prime Minister.
Churchill was known for his political acumen and his ability to anticipate future events. He once quipped, "A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen."
He was a staunch supporter of democracy, famously stating, "Democracy is the worst system devised by the wit of man except for all the others."
Churchill was critical of both capitalism and socialism, noting, "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries."
Churchill: "Politics are almost as exciting as war. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics you can be killed many times."
SCANDAL Winston Churchill was taken prisoner by the Boers on November 15, 1899, during the Second Boer War. At the time, he was working as a war correspondent for The Morning Post. Churchill was captured during an ambush on an armored train near Chieveley, in Natal, South Africa.
Despite being a civilian, Churchill was detained as a prisoner of war. He made a daring escape from a POW camp in Pretoria the following month, on the evening of December 12, 1899, which significantly boosted his fame and political career. His escape from a prisoner of war camp led to a £25 reward being placed on his head.
Churchill's actions were sometimes criticized as being harsh or uncompromising. In 1915, he was blamed for the Gallipoli Campaign, a disastrous military operation that led to his dismissal as First Lord of the Admiralty. He also faced criticism for his handling of the 1926 General Strike, when he proposed cutting off poor relief to the striking miners' families.
Churchill's foreign policy decisions were also subject to debate. Some argue that the Second World War was ultimately a futile endeavor, as the Allies fought to prevent Poland from falling under German control only to hand it over to Stalin at the end of the conflict. Additionally, Churchill's attempts to portray the Labour Party as totalitarian during the 1945 election contributed to the Conservatives' resounding defeat.
MILITARY RECORD Winston Churchill's military career was long and distinguished. He served as a war correspondent for The Morning Post during the Boer War, where he famously escaped from a prisoner of war camp in Pretoria. In 1898, he fought in the Battle of Omdurman under the command of General Kitchener.
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| Churchill in the military dress uniform of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars at Aldershot in 1895 |
Churchill's military service extended beyond the Boer War. He joined the 4th Hussars and participated in the fighting in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He also fought in the Sudan campaign against the Dervishes, playing a key role in the Battle of Omdurman, which was considered the last classic cavalry charge in British warfare. His bravery in Sudan earned him military decorations.
During the First World War, Churchill's military career was marred by controversy (see scandal). However, his hawkish stance against Germany in the 1930s set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Churchill's leadership during the Second World War was instrumental in Britain's victory. The Battle of Britain, in 1940, saw the Royal Air Force defeat the German Luftwaffe, thwarting the planned invasion. Churchill's famous speech, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few," commemorated the bravery of the British pilots.
In 1944, Churchill oversaw the D-Day landings, a major turning point in the war. Despite setbacks, the Allied forces were ultimately successful in pushing the Germans back.
Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. However, he was reportedly disappointed that he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to prevent the Cold War from escalating into nuclear conflict.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Winston Churchill faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. Churchill's health problems began early in life. At the age of 10, he nearly died of pneumonia. As a teenager, he survived a near-drowning experience while swimming in a Swiss lake and a serious fall from a gorge. In his early twenties, while serving as a military observer in Cuba, he narrowly escaped injury when a bullet struck the seat he had recently vacated.
He suffered from severe depression, which he referred to as his "black dog." His mental health struggles were so severe that he avoided standing at the edges of platforms or decks for fear of impulsive actions.
In the 1930s, Churchill was involved in a car accident in New York City, resulting in serious internal bleeding. He also contracted typhoid fever during this period.
He experienced two strokes, in 1949 and 1953, which significantly impacted his health and ability to function. Despite medical advice to retire, he continued to serve as Prime Minister due to his personal physician's insistence and his reliance on amphetamines to maintain his energy levels.
Insomnia was another chronic issue for Churchill. He often slept in twin beds, moving between them if he couldn't fall asleep in one. His sleep patterns were irregular, with late nights and midday rises. During World War II, he was known for his afternoon naps, which helped him maintain his energy levels.
Churchill's health deteriorated in his later years, exacerbated by his heavy drinking and use of barbiturates. Arteriosclerosis contributed to his declining health and ultimately led to his death.
HOMES Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, the sprawling 21,000-acre estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Although he spent significant time at Blenheim, particularly during his early years, his family's frequent moves due to his father's political career meant that he also lived in other locations.
Blenheim remained a special place for Churchill throughout his life. He often returned for visits, proposed to his wife Clementine there, and expressed deep affection for the estate.
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| Blenheim Palace |
In 1922, Churchill purchased Chartwell, a modest Victorian house that he transformed into a personal retreat. He personally designed the garden walls, rockery, and waterworks, showcasing his practical skills. Churchill affectionately referred to Chartwell as his "cosy pig." Today, Chartwell is a museum, carefully preserved to reflect Churchill's personal style and the way he lived.
Churchill also maintained a London residence at 28 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington. This served as his base while he was actively involved in politics and public life.
TRAVEL Winston Churchill's adventurous spirit led him to travel to many parts of the world. As a soldier and war correspondent, he visited Cuba, the Indian Frontier, Egypt, and South Africa.
Churchill had an unusual superstition, refusing to travel on Friday the 13th. He was also an early adopter of aviation, taking flying lessons at Eastchurch Aerodrome, one of Britain's first airfields.
Understandably because of his high-profile status, Churchill was not a frequent user of public transportation. On one occasion, he rode around and around on the London Underground Circle Line and had to be helped off by a friend.
In January 1946, Churchill took a well-deserved holiday to Florida, recognizing the need for rest and relaxation after his years of service during the war.
DEATH Winston Churchill passed away at his Hyde Park Gate home on January 24, 1965. His death was preceded by a severe stroke on January 15, 1965, which left him gravely ill. His final words were reportedly, "Oh, I am so bored with it all." He died on the same day of the year as his father, Lord Randolph, who had passed away on January 24, 1895.
His body lay in state at Westminster Hall for three days before his state funeral at St. Paul's Cathedral. This was the first state funeral for a non-royal family member since that of Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar in 1914.
In accordance with his wishes, Churchill's funeral procession passed through Waterloo Station, a symbolic gesture honoring his role in the Battle of Britain. As his coffin was transported down the Thames by boat, cranes in London's docklands bowed in salute. The Royal Artillery fired a 19-gun salute, and the RAF staged a fly-past of English Electric Lightning fighters.
The state funeral was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from over 100 countries. It was the largest gathering of statesmen in the world until the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
Churchill was buried in the family plot at Saint Martin's Churchyard, Bladon, near Woodstock, Oxfordshire. His final resting place was not far from his birthplace at Blenheim Palace.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Churchill has been portrayed in numerous films and television shows, including The Darkest Hour, where Gary Oldman famously depicted him, and The Crown. His speeches and quotes remain iconic.
Churchill rarely gave interviews or press conferences early in his career, preferring live speeches. His first major press conference was in Washington D.C. in December 1941, shortly after Pearl Harbor. He charmed reporters with his wit and handled questions adeptly. He adapted well to press conferences, which seemed to be an American invention at the time.
Churchill made several important radio broadcasts during World War II, including his famous "Fight on the Beaches" speech. BBC audience research showed that 51% of the population listened to his first broadcast as Prime Minister in May 1940, with listenership increasing to nearly 60% by June 18th.
There is some debate about whether Churchill actually delivered all his famous radio speeches himself. Some sources suggest that actor Norman Shelley may have impersonated Churchill for some broadcasts.
ACHIEVEMENTS Winston Churchill is remembered for his leadership during WWII, his writings, and his impact on British and world history. He is often considered one of the greatest Britons of all time.
Upon assuming the position of Prime Minister, Churchill delivered a powerful speech, warning of the hardships ahead and promising only "blood, toil, tears, and sweat." His unwavering leadership and inspiring speeches played a crucial role in rallying the British people during World War II.
One of Churchill's greatest wartime achievements was securing the United States' entry into the war through the Atlantic Charter. This agreement pledged the signatory nations to resist aggression and laid the foundation for the Allied victory.
Churchill was widely recognized for his contributions to British history. In 1950, he was named Time Magazine's Man of the Half Century. He was also voted "The Greatest Briton" in a 2002 poll sponsored by the BBC.
Churchill received numerous honors and awards. In 1957, he was appointed a Knight of the Garter. In 1963, he became the first person to be granted honorary U.S. citizenship since Lafayette. Unfortunately, his declining health prevented him from traveling to Washington, D.C., to receive the honor in person.
Churchill's legacy was celebrated by his family and the British public. His daughter Mary wrote to him on his death bed. "I owe you what every Englishman, woman and child owes you - liberty itself."
Sources The Book of Lists 2 , 5,000 Amazing Gems of Wit and Wisdom, The Fine Art of Political Wit Faber Book of Anecdotes, Daily Express
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