Built / Designed For: Hawtree family

House & Family History: Chequers has been the official country residence of the British prime minister since 1921. There is a common misconception that President Nixon's black-and-white American Cocker Spaniel, Checkers (1952–64), was named after Chequers. The dog was named by Nixon's six-year-old daughter, Tricia, and became a celebrity after then-Senator Nixon mentioned the dog in an emotional, televised speech on September 23, 1952. Because of this, every September 23 is designated National Dogs in Politics Day, which is also known as Checkers Day, after the famous pooch, who was adored by Nixon. Checkers died five years before Nixon became president, so he never got to live in the White House. He was buried on Long Island at Bideawee Pet Memorial Park in Wantagh, where visitors continue to leave flags and flowers at the gravesite as a tribute to the dog. William Safire described a "Checkers speech" as an idiom used to refer to any emotionally charged speech by a politician.

Garden & Outbuildings: The garden once was the home of a large elm tree that was supposedly planted by King Stephen in the 12th century.

Country Life: XXVIII, 970 plan, 1910. XLII, 324 plan, 348, 372, 1917. XLII, 401 [Cromwell Relics], 1917.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Current Seat / Home of: The Prime Minister

Past Seat / Home of: Hawtree family, 14th century. R. Greenhill Russell, 19th century; Lady Anne Frankland Russell, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Government

Primary Current Ownership Use: Other

Ownership Details: Chequers is used as the country house retreat for the prime minister.

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No