What is history

What a wonderful blog to read this morning. I spent 20 years in the history field managing two different historic house museums. Over that time, I have seen many schools where history is barely taught in order to have more time for other things as history isn't considered important. I have also seen a child's face light up as they tour a museum when an object or story appeals to them and opens their imaginations or mind to a path they hadn't thought of before. And the reading/studying of history helps open us up to what has come before and gives us the ability to learn from the past - as you mention so well above.

Thank you again for writing a piece on how important history is to study, read about and maybe even visit personally.

Very interesting read ,thank you so much ,

Vert thoughtful and thought provoking. I think we currently as a living civilisation try to not forget the vanquashed and those killed in action. We all love the underdog. And I think we all want to know say when Wellington became Wellington. Was it India? Was it Flanders? Was it the French Riding & Finishing School? I think I read where Napoléon also attended that school? I love good non-indoctrination history.

Somebody had a dream, shared it with the family and it became Highcleare.

Lovely picture of what is history and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and l fan of Downton Abbey and lovely visit Highcelere castle thank you for the email you send me

Lady Carnarvon........It is that understanding of history that allows you to write so beautifully. I am reading your book on Lady Almina. It is beyond me to imagine someone would have so much money to spend as she did preparing for one three day visit from the Prince of Wales. I am enjoying the read by the way.
I hope you and Lord Carnarvon had a wonderful anniversary celebration. I wish you many more.

Lady Canarvon,

Having taught 12 year olds their first exposure to ancient history before my retirement, you expressed very eloquently some of what I strove to accomplish. History is important as it can guide us through troubled times in the present. You wrote “ It is an effort to understand and wonder if there are lessons or patterns from which one can learn whether it is about people, actions or decisions“ and that is exactly what I did throughout the year. We looked for patterns and lessons. You are a true historian in your own right. You teach valuable lessons each week. Keep writing, and I will keep reading!
PS-Is there another book in the works?

Loved this blog on History. In a time when America wants to erase history, this justifies why we must keep the history and learn from it. I try very hard to pass down the traditions and etiquette to my children and grandchild as I find myself in a time when so much of that tradition is gone. A recent example, was a visit to the Mount Washington Hotel in the mountains. We, over the years, attended many conferences there. In those times 80's 90's, you wore jacket and tie to dinner. They had an area you could borrow a jacket and tie from, so you could go in the main dining room. Today no fine silver, table clothes, candles and fresh flowers. People were in golf shirts, wrap around cover ups over bathing suits and a simple paper placemat on a barren table. I sat there wishing it was like before. It was such a disappointment for our 50th Anniversary. Thank you for the reminder of the importance of history.

Having followed your blog for quite some time, I believe this is your best writing yet. This is a well written and powerful essay.
We visited Highclere two years ago after we had been in London for the Queens Jubilee. That was a such a historic event. Plus we so enjoyed your home.
Thank you for your words, they r terribly needed today.

History is always an interesting topic to read especially of your Continent and so many others than our USA as we are so young compared to all others. In collage I chose to study Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece History as so much was so fascinating. Aways amazing to learn how long ago many lived and were able to survive and build so many structures given the minor bits of food, beverages and tools that were theirs back then.
Downton Abbey was always a most interesting television series to watch when it came out and still is given it was taken place at Highclere. Thank you again for letting them film it there!

Love all the photos -- especially the last, long view of Highclere. Love that sweep across the grounds. . . In addition to the physical sweep, it gives a sense (with mist nearby) of the castle reaching across the years. Across centuries.

As always, thank you for sharing!

What a great perspective. History is paramount to understand the culture at the time. Some of which I dare say were things we might continue to respect and others need remain with the elements of the past. But it’s all part of our collective past. And so from it we evolve and strive to improve our human relationships carving out a new and more suitable present age history to continue tge story of us in the here and now, undoubtedly a work in progress. Such a great educational piece you write. Thank you!

Again, spot on about a subject dear to your heart. And many of the above replies expand your thoughts beautifully. Thank you for giving all of us readers something worthwhile and thoughtful to read each Monday. Now to hunt down Carr’s little book!

Interesting topic today. Thank you as always.

Lady Carnarvon,
You are, indeed, as one comment noted, a “true historian.” It surely must be most rewarding to live in a home so notably historic in its own way, and compare life within the world today. Certainly, history shows us the ebbs and tides of peace and conflict, similarly as to a pendulum. In America, I can only hope and do pray that the pendulum will soon return us to a true democracy, with love and justice for all.
Thank you for this very thoughtful writing. So many appreciate your work.
Martha G

very interesting read THANK YOU .

Lady Carnarvon: I absolutely love history. After taking early retirement from the power company, I went to work for a 300 (not old to you) plantation for eight year's. I loved it, and got to dress in colonial dress. I had to leave that job about two year's ago, because it was a long commute from my home and gas was hitting $4.00 a gallon. After two years, I'm getting ready to start work at another historic home much closer to my house. Both houses were built in the Georgian period. I read everything I can about history, don't get to watch much tv, but when I do, it's something pertaining to history, I can't get enough. You don't know how much I look forward to your e-mails each Monday. They are always so interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing.

Well, according to Lady Violet LIFE is just a series of problems which we must try and solve, first one and then the next and then the next, until at last we die…So I think HISTORY could be considered as the social background that influences these 'problems we must try and solve', characterized and directed by what people believe, say and do.
Have a wonderful week!
(I hope to see the Granthams soon!)

Hello Lady Carnarvon
Thankyou for this thoughtful piece on history! I absolutely loved the Crown and am still watching it! I am also watching a series on Ancient Rome on a streaming service! It is excellent! I love historical works and have enjoyed many English period dramas! Good on you for taking up the challenge of writing about history!
Thankyou
FLEURINA DECORTES de GILBERT
Orange City East
Central Western NSW Australia

We should always remember that historical entertainment is not history. And even what is presented as history is influenced by the biases and perspectives of the individual writing it. Knowledge of facts is not the same as a mastery of historical times and events, because that necessarily requires the understanding and appreciation of context. Thus does "history" constantly evolve. What we believe to be true in one moment can seem far off base later, as we gain more information and details of times and people long past. We should be humble, I think, when offering our take on history. Truth is rarely a fixed thing.

I really appreciated this interesting addition to your blog. As an employee of Colonial Williamsburg, where we spend our days interpreting the history of one small town that affected the whole world, I was thrilled to read your description of history as "a problem-solving discipline" and as a way to explore the complexity of people who lived before us. Truly, history is never static but contains endless revelations to discover. Thanks for sharing!

A very thoughtful and intellectual read this morning. As usual, you are very wise and present a point of view that is truthful. You have a wealth of history in your archives to write wonderful books that give us very accurate accounts of what life was like at Highclere and England. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Lovely picture what is history and did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice weekend and I am fan of Downton Abbey and lovely visit highcelere castle

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
History is an amazing thing. It helps us know the past, understand the present, and prepare and shape the future. You do a great job letting us know the wonderful history of Highclere and the people who have lived on or visited such a beautiful estate. Thank you for another interesting informative blog.
Take care Susan

Sir Bob Jones, a politician, businessman and author in New Zealand, famously said
“ give me a history graduate over any other graduate as an employee and I guarantee they will succeed.” He believed an understanding of the trends and cycles of the past was essential in understanding the trends and cycles of the present and the future.
Invaluable in future planning and business decisions.
May have the wording a bit wrong but the idea is there.
Cheers Robyn Weston.
New Zealand.

Beautiful picture of the Estate! Frimas blanc et brume matinale! Exquis!

I am an admirer and student of 'History'. I love the following quote, "Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research".

Malcolm X

I was told by someone that, "history best rewards all research, and those who fail to study it are (may be) doomed to repeat it!

Dear Lady Carnarvon:

Thank you for this Monday's blog. It was a very interesting and informative read.

Perpetua Crawford

I am so happy to have found this blog. My husband and I are avid students of history and historical houses. They tell such stories and ground us in the common and uncommon problems we all face, even in very different centuries.
My ancestors came from the Lord Willoughby estate. I long to visit Highclere and other historical properties but the stories and reflections you post are a delight to read. Thank you.