Norma Major

In 1921 a tranquil and ancient country house and estate was given away by its owners Arthur Lee and his rich American wife Ruth Lee. Their purpose was to enable British Prime Ministers 'to spend two days a week in the high and pure air of the Chilterns and woods'. For 'even the most hardened and least soulful politician the beauty of the place – within and without – would exercise, subconsciously, a humanising influence [and]… may, I hope, real advantage to our nation as well as to its chosen leaders.'

Norma Major's book charts the renovations, collections assembled (from Cromwell pictures, the Rembrandt Churchill 'improved ' to the books in the Long Gallery) and the genesis of the gardens. It is beautifully illustrated with archive photographs and modern portraits of the house at the end of the twenty-first century. Equally fascinating is the comprehensive section – called Political Life at Chequers - on how the Prime Ministers, and as importantly their families, have regarded the house and estate and how they have used it. Lloyd George was the first PM to use it and when he resigned his daughter Megan was heard to say 'Damn, there goes Chequers.' Stanley Baldwin thought 'There are three classes which need sanctuary more than any others: birds, wildflowers and prime ministers.' He was criticised for preferring Chequers to Downing Street: 'Every mongrel is yapping, believing that a very tired fox has gone to ground at Chequers with no fight left in him.' After the collapse of his first premiership, Ramsay MacDonald wrote to the Lees to 'praise you … Every room has become my own and I bid them farewell in deep sadness of heart – truly the only wrench that the change has brought.' Mary Wilson would find peace and privacy in the White Parlour where she could write poetry.

Mrs Thatcher wrote in her memoirs: 'I do not think anyone has stayed long at Chequers without falling in love with it.' Although the public cannot visit it, curious and fascinated readers can love from afar with this excellent and personal appreciation.… (altro)