The Churchill Series - Nov. 25, 2005

(One of a series of daily posts about the life of Winston S. Churchill.)

In 1902 Churchill, already at 27 a Member of Parliament, had yet to marry. But he set out to change that.

William Manchester in The Last Lion says Churchill began courting a beautiful 24 year-old American actress then performing in London. They often dined together at Claridges. He showered her with notes and flowers; and invited her to visit his ancestral home, Blenheim Palace. Some time after that, he proposed.

Ethel Barrymore said no. She told Churchill she “would not be able to cope with the great world of politics.”(p.361)

At the Churchill Centre, we learn Barrymore was a guest in August, 1925 at the Churchill’s home, Chartwell, in Kent. She signed the guest book.

Martin Gilbert, in his newly released Churchill and America, reports that in 1932 while visiting Washington, D.C. as part of a lecture tour, Churchill learned Barrymore was performing in the city. He sent her flowers and a note.(.140)