Books
Lady Carnarvon began her career as an author by writing the guidebook to Highclere and a guide to the Egyptian exhibition which transported visitors back to Ancient Egypt. Lady Carnarvon has written two historical books, “Lady Almina”, a New York Times Bestseller, which covers First World War when Highclere was actually a hospital and “Lady Catherine” which looks at the twenties and thirties and the Second World War through the real inhabitants, both upstairs and downstairs. These contain fascinating comparisons and similarities with “Downton Abbey”. Her last bestseller, “At Home at Highclere,” is a coffee table book which documents an insight into life at Highclere Castle. Food is a key theme throughout the book, having played an important social role in the lives of the Earls of Carnarvon bringing people together, and Lady Carnarvon includes some favourite recipes from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day.
Her latest book, “Christmas at Highclere: Recipes and Traditions from the Real Downton Abbey” takes you behind the scenes and share the history and the rituals that make my home – Highclere Castle – the most magical place to be throughout the festive season.
Earl and Pharaoh – From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun
Lady Carnarvon’s latest book, The Earl and the Pharaoh tells the story of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Carnarvon’s life, money and sudden death became front-page news throughout the world following the discovery of the tomb.
Drawing on Highclere Castle’s never-before-plumbed archive the latest book from Lady Carnarvon charts the twists of luck and tragedies that shaped Carnarvon’s life.
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey
Lady Carnarvon’s first book, which has become a New York Times bestseller, weaves Almina’s journey and those of her family into the heritage and history of one of England’s most exquisite Victorian castles. Lady Almina was the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild and he doted on her. At 19, she married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon with an enormous dowry.
At first, life at Highclere was a dizzying mix of sumptuous banquets and even the occasional royal visitor. Almina oversaw 80 members of staff – many of whom came from families who had worked at Highclere for generations. But when the First World War broke out, life at Highclere changed forever.
Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey
Drawing on rich material from the private archives at Highclere, including beautiful period photographs, the current Countess of Carnarvon transports us back to the thrilling and alluring world of the ‘real Downton Abbey’ and its inhabitants. Telling the story of Lady Catherine, a beautiful American girl who caught the eye of Lord Porchester when she was just 20 years old.
But less than a year later Porchey’s father died suddenly, and he became the 6th Earl of Carnarvon, inheriting a title and a Castle that changed both their lives forever. Catherine found herself suddenly in charge of a small army of household staff, and hosting lavish banquets and weekend house parties.
Seasons at Highclere – Gardening, Growing and Cooking through the year at the Real Downton Abbey
This book reveals the treasures within Highclere Castle’s land and estates. Alongside history and anecdotes, this book also details sumptuous recipes for dishes inspired by local, seasonal produce.
Beautifully illustrated with full-colour photography, Seasons at Highclere is full of gastronomical delights, the stories of the treasures within Highclere Castle’s grounds, untold secrets from the castle’s archives and much more. This is the perfect gift or keepsake, and a book to be cherished for years to come.
At Home at Highclere – Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey
A beautiful coffee table book which tells the story of four real life weekends – from 1866 to 1936 – when the great and the good gathered at Highclere to change the world in some large or small part.
The book then reflects on how the current Countess entertains ‘At Home’ at Highclere today and includes some favourite recipes from Lady Carnarvon
Christmas at Highclere – Recipes and Traditions at the Real Downton Abbey
This book takes you behind the scenes and shares the history and rituals that make Highclere Castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere’s Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
As well as telling the stories of Highclere Christmases past and present, Lady Carnarvon provides recipes, tips and inspiration from her kitchen so that readers can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to their own home. Lady Carnarvon divulges the secret to perfectly flakey mince pies, the proper way to wrap presents so that you and your guests are guaranteed a Christmas to remember.