A 1950s grey pinstripe suit worn by Sir Winston Churchill has gone on display at his birthplace Blenheim Palace.
The suit was made by British fashion retailer Austin Reed and includes a label dated *16/9/53 RT Hon Sir Winston S. Churchill K.C.G.
It is on show as part of an exhibition dedicated to the ‘greatest Briton’ and his lifelong association with the palace.
The suit sold for £7,440 alongside other items of memorabilia at an auction of so-called Churchilliana at Special Auction Services in Newbury, Berkshire, in August.
It is accompanied by a two-page letter confirming its authenticity and stating it was given by his wife, Lady Churchill, to a Mary Williams in the 1960s.
“This suit is a great addition to the exhibition and provides another tangible link to the life of one of the 20th century’s most famous and influential figures,” said Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections.
“It forms part of a much wider collection of historical artefacts, letters and photographs detailing his life and his enduring connection to, and love for, Blenheim,” she added.
The future Prime Minister and wartime leader was born at the Palace on 30th November 1874. His father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was the youngest son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough.
His mother, Lady Churchill, was at Blenheim with her husband attending a St Andrew’s Day ball when she unexpectedly went into labour.
As well as being his birthplace, Blenheim is also where he proposed to his beloved wife Clementine in the Temple of Diana during a summer rainstorm.
He is quoted as saying: ‘At Blenheim I took two very important decisions: to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions.’
He returned to Blenheim often throughout his long life; attending parties, painting and spending time with his cousin and close friend ‘Sunny’, the 9th Duke of Marlborough.
Churchill is buried, alongside Clementine, in Bladon churchyard on the edge of the estate.
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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