Churchill is a name of global renown, linked to politics, military forces, royalty, world-wide conflict, art and writing.
 

Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was born on 30th November, 1874 in his family's ancestral home, Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire. At the time, the British Empire  was a dominant world power. His ancestors, the Dukes of Marlborough, had served the Empire as military and political leaders, playing vital roles in the highest echelons of British aristocracy. 
 

Churchill continued this tradition writing as a newspaper journalist, serving in the Army, representing constituents as an MP and serving the United Kingdom as Prime Minister between 1940 and 1945 and again 1951-1955. During the years of WWII, courage, perseverance and faith were needed by the nation; Churchill's leadership inspired and motivated many, particularly in darkest and bleakest times, earning him much respect. Knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, for "his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values," Churchill stands as a national hero.

With their private residence, Chartwell, located in near-by Westerham, the Churchills were familiar with local families known to Chevening. Churchill succeeded Earl Stanhope, serving as First Lord of the Admiralty 1939-40. Chartwell's views of Kent provided solace and inspiration to Churchill the artist, as well as providing a home for his family, collection of pets and butterflies.

Clementine (nee Hozier) married Winston in 1908; she too displayed many of our school values throughout her life, although she may be over-shadowed by Winston's international role and fame. Winston acknowledged that his own responsibilities, roles and actions would not have been possible with Clementine's support; Clementine was well-respected for her own local, national and international efforts.
Discussions and disagreements at home show Clementine's honesty, courage and love, although outside of the home they presented a united front. In childhood, Clementine's home-life included sadness and difficulties that needed faith to help her persevere in life. A strong social conscience underpinned Clementine's compassion for others, which aligned with Winston's early support for the development of the welfare state. Bearing the vocal criticism of others and war-time living required courage and faith to fire-up the resolve to persevere and the Churchills were no exception.