Happy Hour: Churchill’s Citadel

Sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville, VA Branch

Katherine Carter, longstanding curator of the Churchill family’s country home, will present her pivotal new account of Churchill’s activities during the 1930s, highlighting how Chartwell, his rural residence, became the epicenter of his anti-Nazi endeavors. During the 1930s, as Europe edged closer to conflict, Winston Churchill was politically sidelined. However, it was during this period that his home, Chartwell, in Kent, transformed into the command center for his crusade against the rise of Nazi Germany. He convened with esteemed colleagues and sources, such as Albert Einstein and T.E. Lawrence, who bolstered his efforts while he diligently warned of the looming war.

In her newly published book, Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm, Carter narrates the compelling tale of these significant yet obscure gatherings at Chartwell. She introduces an intriguing ensemble of individuals—from renowned figures to political heavyweights, envoys to intelligence agents—who influenced Churchill’s insights and tactical approach. Utilizing Chartwell as his stronghold, Churchill collected critical information on Germany’s militaristic advancements, positioning himself to alter history’s trajectory.

This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville, VA Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. All Happy Hours take place on Eastern time.

Katherine Carter is a curator, historian, and biographer who has managed the house and collections at Chartwell, Churchill’s country home, for more than a decade. A widely sought after commentator and adviser on the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, she lectures internationally and appears frequently in print and broadcast media.

Cocktail

Though “The Churchill” cocktail is named after the famous politician, Churchill himself would never have drunk one. He famously didn’t care much for mixed drinks and preferred his scotch heavily water downed. And one would think Churchill would prefer an expensive, rare scotch. But he actually liked Johnny Walker Red, an inexpensive one.
However, Pol Roger champagne holds a special place in history as the favored drink of Sir Winston. A legacy dating back to 1849 earning a reputation for producing exquisite sparkling wines synonymous with elegance and refinement.

“The Churchill”
1 1/3 oz Johnnie Walker Red
1/2 oz Punt e Mes Carpano (red Vermouth)
1/2 oz Cointreau
2 drops of fresh lemon juice

Instructions
Chill a martini or coupe glass
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
Add the scotch, sweet vermouth, Cointreau, and lime juice
Shake until very cold, about 15 seconds
Pour into the chilled cocktail glass