Statesman, politician, soldier, writer and artist. Born at Blenheim Palace, elder son of the Right Hon. Lord Randolph Churchill, he was educated at Sandhurst, thereafter serving abroad as a soldier and war correspondent. Entered parliament as a Conservative in 1900, later being successively a Liberal and a Conservative. Became a minister in 1905, over the next 35 years at various times being given a series of senior positions such as First Lord of the Admiralty and Chancellor of the Exchequer under various governments. Prime minister 1940–5 and 1951–5. Awarded Nobel Prize for Literature, 1953. Among his books are Marlborough, World Crisis and History of World War II. Made Companion of Honour, 1922, awarded Order of Merit, 1946, and knighted, 1953.