Winston Churchill (1874-1965): an original hand-written letter, with envelope, to the doctor officiating at the birth of Churchill, from his father, Lord Randolph Henry-Spencer Churchill (1849-1895). The letter is written on notepaper headed 'Estates Office, Blenheim Palace, Oxon.' and dated December 28th 1874, to 'F. Taylor Esquire', a doctor based in Woodstock, Oxfordshire (a village close to Blenheim Palace), and reads 'Dear Mr Taylor, I enclose a cheque for 25 guineas to you for your kind services, and wish to say that I appreciate highly your skilful management of, and careful attention to, her Ladyship during her confinement. We go to town today. Believe me, yours truly, Randolph S Churchill'. Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace on 30th November 1874. Also included with this item is a further letter and envelope, written to the same doctor, from George Charles Spencer-Churchill, 8th Duke of Marlborough (1844-1892), elder brother of Randolph Churchill and uncle to Winston, dated 'Feb 13' on 'Blenheim Palace' embossed paper, reading 'Mr Dear Sir, I write a few lines in reference to our conversation the other day, to say that I shall be happy to enter into the same arrangement with you for attendance or any family household ??? with the late Me Palmer. I am yours faithfully, Marlborough'. There is no indication of the year that it was written - the paper carries a watermark reading '1860', and the envelope carries a black wax seal.

Private collection. Purchased as part of a large group of ephemera several years ago by the vendor, and stored undisturbed in the loft.

Condition Report

Some tears to the paper, with smudges from the time of writing. Folds and creases throughout, with some foxing, especially to the envelopes.