Beginning with the development of the Chequers' Estate and the building of the main house in the 16th century, the book goes on to look at the different families and people who have lived there, including Lady Mary Grey who was imprisoned there, Frances Cromwell (daughter of Oliver Cromwell) and, more recently, Ruth and Arthur Lee, who restored the house and donated it to the nation. Since that time, Chequers has taken a central role in Prime Ministers' public and private lives and has been the backdrop for many important and vivid moments of political history.

From her unique position as the wife of a former Prime Minister, Dame Norma Major has had unprecedented access to the house as well as to its spectacular collection of paintings, furniture and decorative arts. She has also talked to past Prime Ministers and their families.

CONTENTS : Chequers - the History; The Lees' Bequest; Chequers - the House; Political Life at Chequers.

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