6 Things You Should Know About Chequers, the British Prime Minister's Country Residence
Before he heads for Windsor for tea with Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, President Trump make a stop at Chequers, the official country residence of the British prime minister, to meet with Theresa May.
Here's what you should know about the estate.
1. British prime ministers have been using it as their country residence since 1921.
Built in the 16th century, the home was bequeathed to the nation by Sir Arthur Lee and his wife Ruth as the country estate for of the British prime minister by the Chequers Estate Act in 1917. The Lees moved out in 1921, and David Lloyd George was the first PM to use it as his country residence, according to the Week.
2. It's listed as a Grade I building on the National Heritage List for England.
Grade I refers to "buildings of exceptional interest," and only 2.5 percent of listed buildings make the cut.
3. The estate is about 40 miles northwest of 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's official residence in London.
The historic home sits on about 1,000 acres in the English countryside.
4. Some prime ministers even preferred it to 10 Downing.
"I do not think anyone has stayed long at Chequers without falling in love with it," former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once wrote, according to an essay by her daughter Carol in the Daily Mail. "My parents adored the place and treasured the weekends they spent there during her 11 years in power," she continued. "My late father Denis declaimed to anyone within earshot: 'Chequers is why you get the job' of prime minister."
5. Like Camp David, it has hosted dignitaries from around the world.
6. May hosted her entire Cabinet there earlier this month.
The current PM gathered her team for a summit focused on Brexit on July 6.
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