Lady Randy: Churchill's Mother

American society beauty Jeanette 'Jennie' Jerome was the enigmatic mother of arguably Britain's greatest Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

The documentary tells the story of how she wooed Randolph, son of the Duke of Marlborough, and brought much needed money to a family that had plenty of land - including Blenheim Palace - but little cash.

Winston was born less than eight months after Jennie and Randolph's marriage in 1874. Initially, he was neglected by his mother as Jennie concentrated on pushing her husband up the political ladder. However, after Randolph's death from syphilis, she transferred her political and social ambitions, calling in favours to promote Winston's career.

Rumoured to have had many lovers, after her first husband's death Jennie remarried twice, each time to men more than 20 years her junior.

The man often referred to as the 'greatest ever Englishman' was, in fact, half American - and to understand Winston you have to understand Jennie.