Downton, Churchill and the Dollar Duchess Phenomenon
- Author
- National Trust
- Published
- Wed 17 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8773719
Cora Crawley in Downton Abbey may be a fictional Dollar Duchess but there are countless others who have shaped our history, including the mother of Winston Churchill, Jennie Jerome.
Join James Grasby as he discovers what a 'Dollar Duchess' is, how they came to be entwined in our history and culture, and what was in it for the couples.
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Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale only in cinemas now
Production
Host: James Grasby
Sound: Claire Hickinbotham
Producer: Claire Hickinbotham
Sound Design: Jesus Gomez
Contributors
Louisa Brouwer @acuratorabroad on Insta
Jo Thornton and Steve Burden: Isle of Wight local tour guides
Recording took place at Rosetta Cottage on the Isle of Wight where Churchill’s parents got engaged. You can visit the cottage and see the plague outside, part of the Churchill Trail on the Island Follow the Churchill Trail - Visit Isle Of Wight
Or if you want to get closer to the heart of the story you can stay in the cottage, dine in the dining room, and enjoy sea views of The Solent from the garden. Rosetta Cottage Isle of Wight | National Trust
If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at [email protected]
If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at [email protected]
