The Real Downton Abbey

The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon with their staff and backdrop of Highclere Castle.

A story from The National Post, a national newspaper here in Canada, was about the Real Downton Abbey. The Real Downton Abbey is at Highclere Castle, the real home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon located in the Hampshires.  Highclere Castle has been owned by the Carnarvon family since 1670. The current Castle was designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1850, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. The popular TV Series, Downton Abbey, was inspired and filmed here at Highclere Castle. The story was actually written  and created by Julian Fellowes, inspired by the story of Lady Almina, wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Mr. Fellowes, wrote about the lives of  an Artistocratic family living "Upstairs" and their staff, who are living and working "Downstairs."  In the TV series, we watch about the the lives of the Crawleys and their staff. It is one of my favourite TV shows. That's why I can't wait for Season 3 to be shown here in Canada till January 2013. Lucky for the UK residents, who are now currently watching Season 3 from ITV Channel.

The current Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

This is the Book written by the current Countess Fiona of Carnarvon about Lady Almina, wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.  Lady Almina was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild. She brought into her marriage a large dowry which supported the Earl and their family.  The 5th Earl of Carnarvon is also famous  for his Egyptian Exploration and found the tomb of Tutankhamen with Howard Carter in 1922. Lady Almina also opened the Castle as a hospital for WWI wounded soldiers which was also shown in Season 2 of Downton Abbey. Lady Almina was known for her generosity and philanthropic works. Then the Earl had a huge collection of Egyptology. There is an Egyptian Exhibit in the Castle's basement and some of their collection were sold by Lady Almina to keep the Castle and support the family. 

One of the Drawing Rooms in the Castle.

The grounds of Highclere Castle.

The gardens of Highclere Castle. There are tours to visit the Castle.

TV Series.

Lord and Lady Grantham with their family and staff.

Lord and Lady Grantham. In the show, Lady Grantham, is the wealthy American born wife of Lord Grantham. Apparently, in Season 3,  the current Lord Grantham admitted to his wealthy American born wife, Lady Cora Grantham, that he lost her fortune in some reckless investment.  So the story unfolds in Season 3.

English belles. The Crawley Sisters.
Lady Mary (sitting down), Lady Sybil (in red) and Lady Edith (in Gray). 

The most romantic scene in Season 2. The handsome Matthew Crawley proposing marriage to Lady Mary Crawley outside of the Castle under falling snow. So romantic! Of course, Season 3 will show their wedding.

The formidable Grandmothers: Dowager Countess, Violet, played by Maggie Smith  and Shirley Maclaine, as Martha Levinson, mother of Cora, the Countess of Grantham. 

The Dowager Countess is very well known for her sharp lines:

Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham: Your turn will come.

Lady Edith Crawley: Will it? Or am I to be the maiden aunt? Isn't this what they do? Arrange presents for their prettier relations?

Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham:  Don't be defeatist dear, it's terribley middle class. 

Watch the Video:  Mary & Matthew, Where We Belong.

Watch the Video: Downton Abbey, Season 3 Trailer. 

Photo credits: National Post Newspaper and Vogue.com