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Drawing on previously unused papers from the estate of Jack Churchill, Celia and John Lee have produced a fresh account of Winston Churchill and his family. Many of the myths surrounding them are challenged; many assumptions are disproved. Understanding the role of young Jack in the family is the key to a new understanding of the complex relationship between Lord Randolph and Jennie Churchill and their two sons.
Their reputation as distant and uncaring parents is re-examined in the light of the many new letters used here for the first time. Winston’s bad behaviour at some of his schools compares very unfavourably with the consistently good performance of Jack, as his parents pointed out at the time somewhat forcefully. But, after the death of Lord Randolph, we find Jack’s future prospects (either in the army, or at university studying law) destroyed by his mother’s permanent financial crisis and her single-minded obsession to advance Winston’s career.
Winston and Jack loved each other dearly and their close relationship, and that of their families, is followed through the Boer War and two world wars.
Important new material is presented concerning the exact nature of Lord Randolph’s final illness, and its bearing on the paternity of Jack.
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