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From 1944 to 1954 Jennie and Nye lived at 23 Cliveden Place in London. An English Heritage Blue Plaque now marks the site, commemorating its former occupants.
In the early 1950s, as Nye became a more famous political figure, the couple needed more privacy away from London.
In 1954 they moved to Asheridge Farm in the Chilterns, about 30 miles from London. Jennie’s mother Ma (widowed in 1952) moved in with them. Nye wanted to run Asheridge as a farm, as it had been previously, and although it often ran at a loss, it provided a relief from political life. You can see a photo of Asheridge Farm on this page.
Unfortunately, Nye’s health was often poor. High blood pressure, liver problems caused by hard drinking for many years and a recurring weak chest, left over from his mining days, all took their toll.
In 1959 Nye’s schedule, as always, was very busy. He had been to Moscow and had undertaken a speaking tour. Around Christmas 1959 he was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and was in hospital for 6 weeks. The photograph of Jennie and Nye on this page was taken in 1960 and shows clearly how frail Nye had become.
Before he was due to go home, Nye’s doctor confirmed to Jennie that Nye had stomach cancer and the prognosis was not good. Controversially, Jennie did not tell Nye or their friends of the seriousness of his condition. In the audio clip on this page Jennie talks about Nye’s final illness.
