Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was one of the most important world leaders of modern times, and an iconic figure for the ages. Born to an aristocratic family of the Dukes of Marlborough, Lord Randolph Churchill and his glamorous American wife, Jennie Jerome, Winston was raised with all the privilege of his class. He was brought up at a coolly acceptable emotional distance from his parents, and educated at Harrow and Sandhurst. Although not noted for a keen intellect in his rather scrappy youth, Winston Churchill enjoyed a military career and long service as a Member of Parliament and as First Lord of the Admiralty. His finest hour, and that of his fellow Brits, came at the onset of World War II, during which time he served as Prime Minister and rallied the entire nation on to victory against overwhelming odds. The picture of the stalwart Winston, cigar firmly clenched between his teeth, flashing the “V†for victory sign, is one that is emblazoned on every schoolchild’s (of a certain age) mind. Although immensely popular, Winston Churchill’s public career on such a grand stage was largely over after the war. He continue to be active in politics, as well as in his multiple extracurricular interests in history, writing, painting and oratory, but a series of strokes rendered him increasingly impaired. He died at his beloved estate, Chartwell, at the age of 90, with his wife of almost 60 years at his side. His state funeral was the largest ever held in the world, with China the only nation not represented. One of the most memorable quotes of all those attributed to him was made ten years before his death, and is resoundingly apt: “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matterâ€.
