Churchill’s family heirlooms put on display for first time

Churchill’s family heirlooms put on display for first time

Winston Churchill’s former country home is hosting a new exhibition featuring never-before-seen objects from its stores and belonging to his descendants.
‘In The Blood’ at Chartwell in Kent tells the story of the former wartime Prime Minister’s Anglo-American ancestry and considers how the two branches of his family shaped his life and character.
His story is told through the display of 50 objects from the Chartwell stores and on loan from private collections belonging to Churchill’s descendants, the National Trust said.
Highlights include a pair of duelling pistols and Garter Star belonging to Churchill’s 17th century ancestor John, 1st Duke of Marlborough, builder of Blenheim Palace, the Daily Mail reported.
Diamond, ruby and sapphire rings handed to Churchill’s father, Lord Randolph, to his mother have been reunited especially for the exhibition.
Also on display are locks of children’s hair taken from Churchill and his brother Jack, along with a photograph of their beloved nanny, as well as Churchill’s silver christening cup.
The National Trust said that half of the 50 objects have never been on public display before and have been brought together especially for the exhibition, which runs until February next year.
But the Trust said that ‘In The Blood’ and future temporary exhibitions held there are designed to ensure the public sees as much of this reserve collection as possible.
Churchill’s former home, Chartwell House and Gardens, in Kent Randolph Churchill, Winston’s great-grandson, said: “This exhibition shines a light on Winston’s parents and his forefathers who were so important in giving him the backbone he had in the dark days of 1940.”