Over a hundred nations were formally represented at Churchill’s funeral. Hundreds of millions more watched on television across Europe. It was the first state funeral for a prime minister since that of Wellington, in 1852. Postage stamps were issued, books written, museums opened.
His family continued to be prominent in British life. Randolph’s son Winston was a Conservative MP for many years; Mary’s son Nicholas currently sits for the Conservative Party in the House of Commons. Mary herself is now in her 90s, the last of Churchill’s children. She has led a colourful life, notably as Chairman of the National Theatre.
His life remains wrapped in legend, with stories such as the ‘Winston is Back’ signal or the use of poison gas selected according to one’s prejudice. There remains, of course, plenty of established fact to interest the historian, irrespective of the mythology. The anecdotes and witticisms alone have filled several volumes – though again, some of these are unverified.
He is criticized for many of the decisions he took and the views he expressed. In some instances, such as the question of Indian independence, it is difficult not to see him as a bitter reactionary. Even in the area of leadership during the Second World War there are many who have been scathing about his strategic judgement. For every such critic, of course, there remains an equally authoritative source anxious to defend him. Then there are those areas of his political work which may surprise the modern reader: his early radicalism and championship of workers’ rights; or his advocacy of European union.
Churchill was first and foremost a politician of conviction. He was a hard worker, who knew what he wanted and then applied himself to the means of achievement. He sought life in the fast lane and in the limelight. Yet he also believed strongly in fate, and had the humility to admit when he had been wrong. He could be cruel, then compassionate. He was brilliant and courageous, self-educated and multi-talented, but also stubborn and impetuous, with a strong streak of ruthlessness.
He is mostly remembered for the inspiring national leadership he provided just when it was most needed. His bulldog spirit, even his jowly countenance, seemed to sum up the stubborn bravery of the British. But such a conclusion would be to omit far too much. Welfare provisions, naval reforms, highly skilled diplomacy, brilliant journalism and over twenty volumes of history should be added. Then there were the darker episodes, such as the Black and Tans, or the return to the Gold Standard. His was a mixed but always important record.
In many senses Churchill was a nineteenth-century romantic from a transatlantic background, waging a personal struggle with twentieth-century reality. Fittingly, as the sun set on the empire he cared about so much, so did it for him. For all his flaws, Churchill’s was a monumental contribution to world history.