Donald Trump once hailed it upon setting foot inside, and today the US President returns to the incredible Chequers country house. He is meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the final stop on his historic state visit.
But what exactly is Chequers? The property, which serves as an official residence outside of London for the incumbent Prime Minister, was built during the 16th century.
The mansion was gifted to then-Prime Minister David Lloyd George by Sir Arthur Lee in 1921. Lee believed the nation’s leader deserved a splendid venue where they could host foreign dignitaries and other distinguished statespeople. As a result, he transferred the Grade I-listed National Heritage property through a Deed of Settlement.
Throughout the First World War, it served as a hospital before becoming a nursing home for injured officers. A stained glass window in the long gallery bears the inscription: “This house of peace and ancient memories was given to England as a thank-offering for her deliverance in the great war of 1914–1918 as a place of rest and recreation for her Prime Ministers for ever.”
Winston Churchill also penned some of his stirring World War Two addresses within its walls. It has served many recent Prime Ministers, including Theresa May and Boris Johnson. It was where Johnson opted to recuperate following his hospitalisation with coronavirus.
Where is Chequers and who owns it?
Situated in Buckinghamshire, Chequers is nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, near the village of Ellesborough and between the picturesque towns of Princes Risborough and Wendover. Coombe Hill, located adjacent to Chequers, was part of the estate until the 1920s when it was gifted to the National Trust, reports Buckinghamshire Live.
The last individual to own the house was Sir Arthur Lee. However, upon his donation to Lloyd George, ownership transferred to the incumbent Prime Minister. Technically, The Chequers Trust holds the title, but full control remains with whoever is Prime Minister at the time.
Lee stated that his intention was to ensure that future Prime Ministers, regardless of their social class, would have a grand residence for hosting events. “It is not possible to foresee or foretell from what classes or conditions of life the future wielders of power in this country will be drawn,” he declared.
“Some may be as in the past men of wealth and famous descent; some may belong to the world of trade and business; others may spring from the ranks of the manual toilers. To none of these in the midst of their strenuous and responsible labours could the spirit and anodyne of Chequers do anything but good.”
What’s behind the Chequers name?
No definitive explanation exists for why the retreat bears its current moniker. One hypothesis suggests it stems from Elias Ostiarius, an early proprietor of Ellesborough manor, whose surname ‘Ostiarus’ signified a Court of Exchequer usher.
The manor’s heraldic crest also displayed a checkers board pattern, potentially inspiring the nomenclature. Alternatively, some scholars propose the name originates from the chequer trees flourishing throughout the estate.
What has Donald Trump said about Chequers?
The US President comes to Chequers today for the second time, having already visited in 2018 during his first state visit after election to office in 2016. Back then, he was effusive in his praise for the residence.
During a meeting with then Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump said it was his “true honour” to join her at what he called a “remarkable setting”, also calling Chequers “truly magnificent”.
He added: “It’s a true privilege to visit historic Chequers that I’ve heard so much about and read so much about growing up in history class, and to continue our conversation, which has really proceeded along rapidly and well over the last few days. For generations, our predecessors have gathered at this stunning retreat to strengthen a bond that is like no other.”
During his controversial second state visit, Trump will be greeted by a guard of honour from RAF Halton and bagpipers at Chequers as he meets current PM, Sir Keir Starmer, and his wife, Lady Victoria. Mr Trump will stop off for a personal view of the Sir Winston Churchill archives at Chequers, before having a bilateral meeting.
Later, the political leaders are to attend a business reception, hosted by the Chancellor at Chequers. The First Lady, Melania Trump, will later travel to Chequers, to join her husband as the remaining elements of the state visit take place. Sir Keir and Lady Victory are to bid farewell to the Trumps at Chequers, and the Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of Charles, is to bid farewell to the Trumps as the state visit comes to an end.
Is it possible to visit Chequers and what’s it like inside?
The only way you’ll get a peek inside is by rising to a prominent position in the UK Government or a foreign state. Chequers has never welcomed the general public through its doors.
The residence boasts ten bedrooms – modest by country estate standards – yet sprawls across 1,500 acres of pristine countryside. It hosts an impressive art collection featuring 190 masterpieces spanning from the early sixteenth century through to a 1937 work by none other than Winston Churchill.
Carol Thatcher, daughter of the Iron Lady, dubbed Chequers the “perfect weekend retreat”, comparing it to a “boutique hotel, albeit with top-level security”.
Which other notable figures have graced Chequers?
Her Majesty the Queen and Edward Heath memorably received US President Richard Nixon in 1970 – before the Watergate scandal erupted – whilst David Cameron entertained supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the residence in 2015.
Margaret Thatcher welcomed both Bush presidents in 1984, with Tony Blair hosting the younger Bush in 2001, before also receiving Vladimir Putin later that same year.
A particularly significant encounter occurred in 2003 when Mr Blair invited Sinn Fein‘s Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness to the historic venue. In 2015, David Cameron played host to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a visit that resulted in an awkward photo of the two leaders sharing a pint.
