He is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest leaders, and many of his speeches have gone down in history.

Items which reveal more of the man and his life have been revealed in an exhibition about Sir Winston Churchill, Child of the Commons, at his home Chartwell, near Westerham.

A labour of love and a voyage of discovery, for those putting it together, it focusses on his extraordinary political career, featuring more than 50 objects, from personal family mementoes to commemorative gifts that tell the stories of Churchill’s time in politics and why he would spend his life as a 'Child of the Commons' – in his own words.

From a childhood spent idolising his politician father, through his early days as constituency MP, his “crossing the floor” between Conservatives and Liberals, and his holding most of the major offices of state, including being Prime Minister twice, the exhibition shows all of it.

Katherine Barnett, house and collections manager, said: “His achievements ranged from being the youngest person in the cabinet for more than 100 years, right through to being the longest serving MP of the 20th century.

Exhibition highlights

The Nobel Prize in literature, awarded to Churchill in 1953 mainly for his great speeches. Many were composed at his Chartwell home, which features in the design on the accompanying diploma.

An unassuming speech box, which Churchill used to keep confidential notes from his advisers, ready to be turned into rousing speeches.

The 80th birthday book he was given by the House of Commons. The illuminated book in green leather was signed by almost every member and presented to him as a tribute of their affection in 1954.

A silver medallion in the shape of a Maltese Cross with lion surmount, awarded to Churchill as the most talented fencer at Harrow School.

"From early career dispatch boxes to awards and gifts in thanks for a lifetime’s work in Westminster, this exhibition truly depicts why Churchill always thought of himself as a Child of the Commons.”

Churchill started his political career when Queen Victoria was still on the throne and his time in Westminster saw him through two world wars and into the onset of the Cold War, by which time he was the longest-serving MP of the 20th century.

A number of personal items include a pair of hairbrushes made from wood from the deck of the Second World War ship HMS Exeter. Only two other pairs were made.

Many of the objects are items managers at Chartwell hope to acquire with their Keep Churchill at Chartwell appeal.

DETAILS

Child of the Commons at Chartwell, near Westerham, runs until Sunday, February 19.

For details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell or call 01732 868381