Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965)
Typed letter signed to Leonie Blanche Lady Leslie, concerning horse-racing betting and inviting a visit during “our brief English summer.”
Chartwell, Westerham, Kent: 11 June 1937.
One page, on printed Chartwell letterhead (“Chartwell, Westerham, Kent”), with “Westerham 93” telephone line. Typed letter with autograph salutation and closing, signed boldly in ink with an unusually large and expressive signature; folded for mailing with a few light spots and minor handling marks.
A warm and affectionate letter to Churchill’s favorite aunt. Churchill writes:
“Leonie, dear, I think the best thing I can do about John Hope’s letter is to send it to Ralph Glyn, who was the driving power in carrying the Tote Bill. This, accordingly, I have done. You must come down and see us here during our brief English summer.”
He concludes warmly, “Yours affectionately, Winston S. Churchill.”
In contrast to the distant relationship Churchill experienced with his parents, he maintained a close and affectionate bond with his aunt, Leonie Blanche Lady Leslie. She played an important maternal role in his early life and remained a trusted and beloved figure throughout his adulthood. Churchill’s letters to her frequently display a warmth rarely seen in his more formal correspondence. In this example, he underlines “dear” and “must,” while the valediction and signature are notably expansive, reflecting the intimacy of their relationship.
The “Tote” referenced in the letter was a legalized system of pari-mutuel betting on horse racing established under the Racecourse Betting Act 1928. Churchill refers to Ralph Glyn, who had been instrumental in advancing the legislation through Parliament. The John Hope mentioned was the son of Victor Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow.
On the same day, Churchill wrote separately to Glyn, forwarding the complaint, remarking: “I know nothing of the merits of the enclosed, but when I recall the fact that but for you there would be no Tote, I feel it is a matter in which you might be interested.” (Churchill Archives Centre, CHAR 2/296A–B). Glyn replied that he would make enquiries into the matter.
Provenance: Private collection.
Winston S. Churchill (1874-1965)
Typed letter signed to Leonie Blanche Lady Leslie, concerning horse-racing betting and inviting a visit during “our brief English summer.”
Chartwell, Westerham, Kent: 11 June 1937.
One page, on printed Chartwell letterhead (“Chartwell, Westerham, Kent”), with “Westerham 93” telephone line. Typed letter with autograph salutation and closing, signed boldly in ink with an unusually large and expressive signature; folded for mailing with a few light spots and minor handling marks.
A warm and affectionate letter to Churchill’s favorite aunt. Churchill writes:
“Leonie, dear, I think the best thing I can do about John Hope’s letter is to send it to Ralph Glyn, who was the driving power in carrying the Tote Bill. This, accordingly, I have done. You must come down and see us here during our brief English summer.”
He concludes warmly, “Yours affectionately, Winston S. Churchill.”
In contrast to the distant relationship Churchill experienced with his parents, he maintained a close and affectionate bond with his aunt, Leonie Blanche Lady Leslie. She played an important maternal role in his early life and remained a trusted and beloved figure throughout his adulthood. Churchill’s letters to her frequently display a warmth rarely seen in his more formal correspondence. In this example, he underlines “dear” and “must,” while the valediction and signature are notably expansive, reflecting the intimacy of their relationship.
The “Tote” referenced in the letter was a legalized system of pari-mutuel betting on horse racing established under the Racecourse Betting Act 1928. Churchill refers to Ralph Glyn, who had been instrumental in advancing the legislation through Parliament. The John Hope mentioned was the son of Victor Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow.
On the same day, Churchill wrote separately to Glyn, forwarding the complaint, remarking: “I know nothing of the merits of the enclosed, but when I recall the fact that but for you there would be no Tote, I feel it is a matter in which you might be interested.” (Churchill Archives Centre, CHAR 2/296A–B). Glyn replied that he would make enquiries into the matter.
Provenance: Private collection.
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