From Jeeves and Wooster to Downton Abbey

From Jeeves and Wooster to Downton Abbey
I hope, like all of us here at Highclere (aka Downton Abbey), that you are rather excited about NBC’s announcement that they are making a “Downton Abbey” film. Michael Edelstein, president at NBC Universal International Studio, said that the movie is in the works although it is a logistical challenge to assemble the cast of 18 or 20 much loved characters into one time frame. Of course the largest and oldest “actor” has always been delighted to collaborate and to my eyes, even in old age, has never looked better.
Casting back in time, before “Downton Abbey,” Highclere had welcomed other film and TV crews. In the 1990’s the TVs series Jeeves and Wooster was partly filmed here. Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry made themselves at home and, clearing out papers at the back of a garage, I have just found a few amusing photographs of their time here. The first thing I noticed was that whereas nearly all the Downton crew wore black puffers and jackets, the Jeeves crew’s sartorial choices were more varied……times change perhaps. I am a great fan of “Jeeves and Wooster” and some of Bertie Wooster’s aunts were very similar in character and unforgiving put downs as Maggie Smith’s character in Downton.
(The top photos below is from “Downton” times and the lower one from “Jeeves and Wooster”)
Highclere was also an outside location for other films such as “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” and the film “The Secret Garden”. We actually do have a so called secret garden here but since its direction is pointed out on a sign post it is not very secret. On the other hand it would be quite time consuming to spend the whole time helping visitors find it so perhaps it’s just as well.
Various scenes of “Inspector Morse” or of other TV series also came here, but the biggest Hollywood film for which Highclere was a location, was Stanley Kubrick’s last film “Eyes Wide Shut”. Delightfully, it also had a Hollywood location budget attached, and it ran over budget and time. As a result, my father- in-law was able to copy and have exactly re-made the beautiful silk wall hangings and curtains in the Green Drawing room here.
These fictional worlds exist alongside the ” real” political and economic world in which Highclere has so often played a genuine part. I have been completely absorbed in our exhibition for next week. I am delighted to welcome Canadians – please do ring us if you can come – for a “Constitutional Walk “ through the British North America Act which created the Dominion of Canada July 1st 1867, much of the planning and discussions took place here. But more on that next time…..
Another interesting fact and historical blog…thank you so much for this delightful background information. I read this week, in our Tulsa paper, about the new Downton movie and eagerly anticipate the opening.
I think many people will look forward to the film ! I hope my new book (it is just out in the USA on Amazon.com) might amuse you meanwhile – you can cook, entertain, dine, read and dream of Downton – but this is the real Downton. Let me know what you think…
I think one of my favorite movies ever is The Secret Garden. Finding out that it had some of the outside scenes filmed there has made it even more special.
Me too! I didn’t know it was filmed there. I will have to watch again
Lady Carnarvon….Thank you for all you do to keep news and views of Highclere available for those of us who consider ourselves amateur historians.
My particular interest has been, since about 10 years of age, World War I I, however, a friend got me started watching Downton Abbey and, delightfully,
that era has become interesting and involving. Your website has intrigued me and having been involved in pre-Web research, writing and dissemination of
information (radio and television), I so, personally, appreciate your time and effort. That being said, again, a heartfelt Thank YOU for your effort.
Very Best Regards, Don
The book I wrote – Catherine goes into WWII – please do try it! Tell me what you think of how I present the history.
Again I touch the period if slightly earlier in “At Home” a chapter takes you into 1934, abdication, Wallis Simpson, and music
Good Morning! Any word yet on when Lady Carnavon will be coming to the USA for speaking engagements? Thank you.
I would like to be over in September – I need to create the structure and see who might be interested! Looking further ahead I would like to work with some US charities to help them fund raise which I have done every visit. The committees have been amazing, the tickets sell and it is a good way to go.
Lady Carnarvon, Thank you for writing your blog. I always find it very enjoyable. I live the beauty and history you share with us. It was so exciting for me to read that parts of Jeeves and Wooster were filmed there, as we loved that series. Also, The Secret Garden with Maggie Smith is one of my favorite movies of all time! One day I hope to make it back across the pond to beautiful England and visit Highclere.
As above the new book .. but tell me what you think. I ma going to begin some cooking video blogs as well and take you behind the scenes into our kitchens here..
You are right and it is a fun Maggie Smith link!
Dear Lady Carnarvon!
Thank you for another interesting mail! I was excited to learn that the Wooster films partly are filmed at the Castle. These films are our favourites and we enjoy watching them when our daughters come to visit us – such good entertainment!
And I can’t wait to tell our Maria about The Secret Garden – that film is her favourite from childhood!
Now she is signed for a subskription from you. She will be delighted, for sure!
Happy Midsummer wishes from Sweden!
I do like the secret garden too ! Thank you
I had the pleasure of visiting Highclere early this month, and we saw you on the grounds with your dogs, and in the shop. I am sure it must be a bit wearing having strangers tramping about, but please know that my friends and I had a wonderful day, and your beautiful home and grounds exceeded our expectations. Your work and considerable expense on restoring and keeping the public areas so beautiful, is a job well done. I am happy to to learn that some of “Jeeves and Wooster” was filmed there, as I was a fan of that show as well. Now I will go back to the DVD’s and look for Highclere shots.
Best wishes from New York City.
I do not feel put out at all when you are all here – in my view these are houses for sharing and if you care enough to come then Highclere will have a chance of carrying on in future years. It is a home and I just try to figure out different ways to share it through books video, blogs and open days.
I had the same experience while I was there in May. We were welcomed as if we were guests to the house. Everyone was so friendly and informative. Lady Carnavon was in the gift shop while I was there and showed me her new book. She is so enthusiastic and passionate about the history and the people who have lived and worked at Highclere…it’s contagious. I’m happy to hear the book is available here in the states as it was just a bit too big for my carry on bag! She did however point out the beautiful Highclere Christmas ornaments which I had to to have. As well as the “”Whats a weekend?” t-shirts which gave me a laugh. They work well for retired people also!
Thank you Lady Carnavon for making us visitors feel welcome and comfortable while we admire your beautiful Highclere!
Can’t wait to visit again! I loved every minute of being there.
Kathi Mottram
Ventura, California
Thank you so very much for allowing the film to be made there!! I absolutely love your home and all the history behind it and can not wait to see more stories inside your home Again Thank you!!!
I think the Entertaining book will give you great insights – it is a bit of a homage to Highclere and all the team who make it an amazing place.
You cannot believe how thrilled I am to hear of the new movie!
I was fortunate to visit Highclere last year (a dream come true) with my husband and friends and we heard about a possible movie.
We are so happy it is really going to happen. Can’t wait!
We were in the area last June and found out we needed to book a year in advance to come see your lovely home in living color and this year we find ourselves back here again only to find out your home is closed to visitors this summer. I totally understand and respect that so I am hoping I can persuade my husband to come back yet one more year in the hopes to visit Highclere. I am also thrilled that a movie is being made. Is there any talk of when it might come out?
I too love ready your blog.
All the best and have a wonderful summer.
Diana
Thank you and I hope you will all start cooking with me.. at the heart of very home is the food, and at the heart of the new book is the cooking
Diana, Your comment confuses me as I can see on the Highclere website the section for booking tickets for this summer, 2017, with lots of green calendar blocks signaling that tickets are available in July, with a reasonable amount of space available, and August, when every weekday has availability as of today, 25 June. I think you may have misunderstood something you saw or heard. Also, we joined the Historic Houses Association in 2015 that gives you free scheduled access to many member privately-owned stately homes, including Highclere, which provides admission outside the ticketing structure with only moderate restrictions to HHA members. Look at the HHA. If you visit 2 member properties your membership fee is justified. We have enjoyed 2 visits at Highclere on this basis, one of which was totally spontaneous as we happened to be in the neighborhood, driving from Montacute to Cambridge. Good luck! Sincerely, Julia Welbon
The castle is as busy as ever and will get even busier with the filming of Downton Abbey! So exciting to finally get the official news. Thank you for sharing it and thank you even more for sharing your beautiful home for others to enjoy. The conviviality and gracious hospitality of the Carnarvons continues on thanks to you and to Lord Carnarvon.. Congratulations!!
Patsy do you like my new book? Have you tried any recipes? !!!! The pea and mint risotto? Really pretty..
Well……I have friends who would be (are, in fact) all too ready to agree that there’s nothing like being chosen as a film location to save the day (or, more precisely, the house).
I went to college with a lovely girl (one of five, as I recall) who came from an “old”, landed family in Louisiana. For better or worse, her mother’s family was as equally burdened with property as her father’s….and they ended up with not one, but TWO, very-very large, be-columned, antebellum mansions. Suffice it to say that neither of the families had ever had much in the way of actual, ready-to-hand cash since the Civil Wat in 1865………and there had been any number of hurricanes, agricultural and overall economic depressions since then (not to mention the loss of 98% of the “work force” when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation).
Welcome to Ye Olde Sunny Southland….
The, in the late 50’s (and following the phenomenal commercial success of “Gone With The Wind”, Hollywood producers were all wild for “Southern Gothic”movies (“Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte”, “The Beguiled”, “Raintree County”, etcetera). TV picked up on the fashion with “The Adventures of Huck Finn”, “Roots” and other mini-series that required a more-or-less run-down Southern mansion.
My friend recalls being told, every six months or so, that they were moving to the one or another of the family houses while a film was being made at the other house. ……and this went on for something around twenty years (during which time, Hollywood money was spent installing actual bathrooms, replacing roofs, etcetera, on both houses).
Eventually, both houses (which were former sugar/cotton plantations) were completely restored with film money. The great irony is that, the last time one of them was used as a film location, the “visuals” guy was terribly disappointed in the lack of decay…….so the crew spent a week creating and installing that precious “decayed” look…..which they afterwards spent a month (and many dollars) restoring.
All in all?…..there’s a very good reason that I occasionally walk around this old house of mine (it’s 220 years old), encounter an expensive-looking drainage problem, and think “What do I have to do to get somebody to film something here?”
That said?….it’s obvious how much work you, yourself, actually do to keep Highclere not only running, but thriving/living.
I enjoy your postings a great deal.
sincerely,
david terry
North Carolina, USA
http://www.davidterryart.com
It ‘s a home – it’s lived in – there are always problems and if in doubt try a cocktail!! Thank you for your kind comments ..
Lady Carnarvon THANK YOU, just the news we have been waiting for…. My daughter Chloe and I have been wishing and hoping along with many family and friends to here a confirmation of an upcoming “Downton” film! Receiving your delightful updates on continued life at “Highclere” allows us to feel as though we are still connected in the absence of the fictional “Downton Abbey” however sharing the real life of ” Highclere” allows us to enjoy and admire the living history that your family represents…What a surprise to learn that one of my daughter and my favorite films (The Secret Garden, another favorite with Maggie Smith) was your “secret garden” which we hope we may be able to visit on our next trip over in 2019 celebrating Chloe’s 16th birthday!
Looking forward to your new book!
Sincerely,
Che’rie and Chloe Gould
Scottsdale, USA
Let me know what you think of the book – I thought i could send out postcards or PDF’s form this blog of further archives from some of the stories and recipe cards so you can prop them where you are cooking.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
So wonderful to learn that Jeeves & Wooster was filmed at Highclere. I literally inhaled that series as I love P.G. Wodehouse. A few of my dogs’ names came from P.G. Wodehouse. Also, The Secret Garden was very mesmerizing, soaked it up voraciously. You must be very proud of Highclere’s film industry history.
Whenever I write to you, I love to inquire about your horses, dogs, goats, Sheila the sheep, and othets. How is everyone doing? I am a friend of our Elephant Sanctuary here in Tennessee USA. I look at the eles every day on camera. Sharing our lives with animals makes our lives worth living.
Sincerely and best wishes,
Catherine
All the dogs are very well thank you. A bit hot perhaps, but they have a paddling pool! Evie and Bella have watched cricket with me and then Alfie came with me in the car to pick the last elderflowers as I thought I would making elderflower cordial tomorrow . The way to make it is in “At Home” but I thought I would begin to do some videos alongside the recipes in the book which might amuse you. Alfie leapt happily into hedgerows and I was trying to avoid nettles…but our mission was accomplished! I am ready and set for tomorrow.
Yes!! Videos alongside the At Home recipes would be wonderful. Please post them.. Will eagerly await them. I love every video with an animal in it. Thank you Lady Carnarvon. Bon soi.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You have shared such good news! I was not aware that a Downton movie is actually in production – there had been rumors, and now they are put to rest!
Your blog is always so interesting, entertaining and informative – a great read!! Thank you. I hope to visit your magnificent home again, as each time there are new discoveries. And I anticipate a wonderful film!
Happy summer, and I hope you, your family and staff have time to recharge and relax!
Best regards,
Charlotte Cole
Thank you but we are so busy in the summer! I hope you do come and visit us.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
I LOVED Jeeves and Wooster and laughed my way through many an episode! Nice to see them again. Also, your gardens are just gorgeous. A lot of hard work there! Thank you so much for sharing all of your news! We do look forward to the Downton movie.
Best wishes,
Jane Franks
I loved Jeeves ad Wooster too…
Dear lady carnarvon
I look foward to your wonderful blog, wonderful insights into life at highclere, visiting in August for the second time this year, I’m looking foward to sitting in the wonderful gardens and writing, gaining inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. Very excited about the downton abbey film in the pipe line, miss the series that I’m afraid I’ve just watched a re-run for the 3rd time.
looking foward to Augusts visits and your next blog.
Kind regards jacqui x
Thank you!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thanks for another wonderful blog, I love Jeeves and Wooster, next time I watch it, I will look out for the Highclere scenes. Also looking forward to the new Downton film.
Best wishes
Lorraine.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for providing so many delightful reminisces of Highclere and the silver screen plus such popular television shows. I did not realise that Highclere was the location for ‘The Secret Garden’, which was a favourite childhood movie of both my daughters. Undoubtedly your blog will now lead to a family rewatching of that movie. (I think we have it on both VHS and DVD.)
It also is wonderful to read that production of Downton Abbey, the movie has been confirmed. Now, what are the chances of you and/or your husband being called upon for a cameo appearance in that movie – even if in the style of Alfred Hitchcock’s fleeting (but always distinctive) appearances in his films?
Best wishes & fond regards,
Jeffery Sewell
It might be quite amusing but it depends what I was cast as… !!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was really very glad to hear about the decision to make a film on Downton.I’m sure it’ll be a great success as Downton Abbey was and continues to be.My inlaws in Peru will be very pleased to hear the news of the film as the series is very popular over there.
Hope my wife and I can visit Highclere before too long.
I hope you do come here too!
Lady Carnarvon, yesterday I received my copy of your new book and it is absolutely lovely! The photos, the history, the descriptions and the recipes are all fascinating and I spent quite a few hours enjoying all of it. I have also read one other of your books and I do hope that you will continue writing. You have a talent for bringing the reader into your work, so I will look forward to reading future books that you produce.
Your blog, too, is very much enjoyed. Highclere is such a special place!
With all good wishes,
Stephanie Cooley
Thank you so much – there is a lot in this latest book and I really wanted to share some beautiful photos. I was looking through it to find the elderflower recipe and I cannot but smile at Teddy on his chair!! I just hope it gives pleasure..
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am also very excited about the new film! But I wonder how they can fit all the story into one film!
My family and I visited Highclere Castle on June 21st and we were all impressed by the beauty of the house, the gardens and the surrounding grounds.
Our guide was amazing. I do not remember her name but she was “Head Guide”.
Too bad we missed the special Canada day. But we had to visit the rest of England!
Thank you very much for making Highclere Castle available for visitors. I will surely come back!
Best wishes,
Anne-Marie Gauthier
Your amazing guide was Diana – it is a team effort.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We are Canadians and will be visiting Highclear July 11th… When is the “Constitutional Walk “ ? Probably on July 1st? Unfortunately we won’t be in the area that day… Please post photos in your next blog.
So happy that the Downton Abbey will resume into a movie!!! I’ve been telling everyone I know since I found out.
I don’t know if it will be possible, but as an animal lover and owner of a dog as well, I really hope to cross paths with your beautiful dogs and any other animals you have when we go.
Also I’m hoping to be able to have you sign one of my (your) books if possible. I’m reading Lady Almina’s story right now witch I enjoy very much and by the time I’m in Highclear will be reading Lady Catherine’s.
I love to read your posts as well.
Cheers!
Chantal
Most anxious for the film, the book and the blog!
Goody!
Almina was amazing wasn’t she? I also enjoyed writing Catherine and I hope I have kept the same tone and flow of stories in “At Home” . Writing the the latest book ” At Home at Highclere” (I was keen it came out now and it is given the July 1st connection) I discovered John A Macdonald came here several times. The BNA Act of 1 July 1867 owed much to Highclere and Lord Carnarvon. Researching my first story in the At Home I saw the name Macdonald at the bottom of the page..there it started
Hence on the 28th June Canadians are very welcome to have a little constitutional walk through our State rooms at Highclere. I have found letters conveying Queen Victoria’s thoughts on the name Canada and Dominion, plus other suggestions for a name.. (Guelfenland!) Diaries and notes about how to construct your senate… sketches of Montreal ,Toronto from that time…I have been working on it all whenever I have had time and now at the stage of sending off all the artwork for graphic boards to be printed . I just feel honoured that such statesmen were here.
What a thrill to know that FINALLY there will be a DOWNTON ABBEY movie ! If they can round up 80% of the cast to reprise their role(s) I will be happy.
I am hoping REAL royalty ( like Queen Elizabeth and family members ) will make appearances and Shirley MacLaine ‘s family should also be
included. Julian Fellowes should also play a role not just as the screenplay author.
Thanks too , Lady Carnarvon for pointing out the other TV and movies that used Highclere Castle as backdrop, now I have to watch
“Eyes Wide Shut”, “The Secret Garden”, “Jeeves and Wooster”, “Robin Hood–Prince of Thieves”— that will guarantee more entertainment indoors
in these hot summer days…Thank You, Thank you.
And you can look at my book and cook from it to watch Downton Abbey!
What good news you write: Downton Abbey – the Movie! Much work and fuss for you with the staff and crew coming in, but what a welcome treat it will be. Movie Data Base says possible filming will begin in 2018 with release by 2019? How wonderful that will be. I hope they give you a cameo part too, it would be so great to see you on the big screen…and with the dogs surely. I have enjoyed your new book:”Entertaining…” and I wait patiently to see your food creations on video as the photos and recipes in the book are fabulous! Also, reading about the visit of Henry James to Highclere Castle began my summer reading with “Siege of London..”, “Washington Square”, and also watching the DVD of “Wings of the Dove”! thank you for these fascinating blogs, always a joy!
I have just recorded some videos today – one food one and have learnt a lot from doing it. Next tie I will do several on one day. Today however I also wanted to film at an old barn we are saving and restoring so I climbed up some ladders!!
I thought that later this month I might share some store cupboard recipes (as I think of them) what I cook when I have failed to shop and have limited time but yet is good for us …
Thank you again for sharing your own story of the beautiful Historical Highclere castle. I am looking forward to watching the Downton Abbey film,as well as your reading your book! I have always enjoyed your blogs about the castle, so please don’t stop blogging about it, as I enjoy every blog you write. :-))
I enjoy writing the blogs and hearing from you. My delayed blog was my effort to create this forthcoming Canadian exhibition as well as feeling, like everyone else, that it seems a troubled, unstable world today.
Just got my copy of your delightful new book. What eye candy! Love the photos and the recipes. Looking forward to trying some of them out!
Also, the photo from Jeeves and Wooster is wonderful. I had to laugh because I have an almost identical tweed jacket that Hugh Laurie is wearing in that photo…..Leather buttons and all!
The photographs are stunning – David Griffen was food photographer of the year and I wanted to bring really modern clean look to the book. I do like the Teddy bear photo – makes me smile!
How did I miss the title of your book.? You must’ve had seven or eight comments where youmsaid, “I hope you read my book”you said over and over again but never mentioned the name of the book.Unless I just missed it in my haste.
thank you. Sandie Carpenter. Whitefish, Montana. 59937
“At Home at Highclere – Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey” (published by Rizzoli ) It should be in bookshops plus Amazon – I hope you might like it, it has taken two years to put together.
I look forward to the movie! The series Downton Abbey was totally enjoyable! The exquisite homes and grounds linger in my mind. I enjoy reading your blog and enjoyed reading your two previous books. What interesting details. Lady Almina was really incredible.
Almina was and she makes an appearance in this new book too!
As promised,Amazon delivered “At Home”June 22nd.I spent the entire weekend reading it and enjoying the recipes and beautiful pictures.I have learned so much history of your country from your wonderful book.Thank you for devoting so much time to this exemplary project.I’m certain my friends will order their copies also when they see mine.
Joyce Blum
Bloomfield Hills,Mi.USA
Thank you very much!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am thrilled that there will be a Downton Abbey movie!! Highclere will once again be a star in the continuing (blissfully) saga of the Crawley family and their staff. I am really so curious and happy about the upcoming project. It makes me miss Matthew and Sybil once again as I don’t think they could be featured (unless it is a ghost story, laughing). I do like Henry Talbot very much and maybe Tom Branson will woo that lady editor of Edith’s. I am so delighted such a great story could be continued. I just read, incidentally, your response to me Lady Carnarvon in which you asked me to see your book to find out about local traditions. Well I have seen it!! I was the proud owner, having pre-ordered it even before the UK release from Amazon UK. However, my friend Suzanne was in need of an Easter gift so I gave her my hard won copy!! We travelled together to Highclere, so I knew it would be a meaningful gift for her. She has a beautiful large home and loves to entertain as well. So I need to really get MY copy because I can’t live without your beautiful book. Well, maybe I can but I am not going to try!. Your recipes and stories are going to be a cherished addition to MY home I can’t wait to get my (second) copy of your book.
Warm Regards,
Ann Catherine Flood
You are kind!
I used to watch Jeeves and Wooster on the Tv & loved 🙂 it was a dream that one day I would visit Highclere Castle to see where Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry walked & later see where Dame Maggie Smith stood in Downton Abbey 🙂 Well that dream came true not only did I get to visit, I now work here how cool is that to be part of the Highclere Castle Team 🙂 .. Being a Actor myself I get to stand on the best Stage in the World every day..
Paul 🙂
It is a good stage and who are you going to dress up as for the Garden party this year?
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I am excited to hear about the upcoming Downton Abbey Movie. After the series ended it was so wonderful to have you sharing all your wonderful stories with all of us. Thank you, Jacquie
I have visited Highclere twice I’m proud to say. The first time as the 2014 winner of the PBS sweepstakes. A trip of a life time. I shall never forget meeting you and Lord Carnarvon and Lady Saoirse.The second time with my sister in 2015.
After watching all 6 series of Downton Abbey I can place myself inside Highclere and walked where the actors walked, still a thrill after 3 years..
I have read both books so far and look forward to reading your latest book.
I am coming back to England in September, I live in Arizona, unfortunately Highclere will be closed. I’ll just have to come back next year.
So happy to see a movie being made, if I had a part in it I’d love to be Mrs Patmore’s assistant..
Dianne Wasgatt
There are a few tours in September – have you checked the dates?
Yes I did thanks, I don’t get into England until September 16th and the tours end earlier.
I love The Secret Garden. I have tree different versions on video. Which one was filmed at Highclere and which one is Maggie Smith in?
Love your Blog and I was fortunate to visit in May of 2016. Loved the room That Maggie Smith used when she wasn’t busy filming. I thoroughly enjoyed that room.
It was a film about 20 years or so ago I think!
It is the Morning Room you are thinking about – it is charming and so light
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We were so excited to get the news that filming will commence as hoped!
We had such a great time reliving scenes from the show at Highclere, then meeting the cast at the SAG awards in LA, so feel almost like our family is getting together again. Everyone is just lovely.
I have your books including your newest one which is sitting in my coffee table in Burbank, with well used pages already. It’s my “go to” book when I want to sit and relax. Thank you for it!!
I hope to see you all again soon at Highclere.
Bonnie Ashley
I would like to choose a weekend early next year and suggest that in some you hold some dinner parties cooking from my book in aid of PBS – dine form the Real Downton, watch Downton in aid of PBS.We could raffle one dinner here fro 4 couple as a prize to all those who take part? What do you think?
Keep digging in all the paper work and keep those stories coming – love it!
Your blogs are so interesting and informative, as are your books. I didn’t know that other shows had been filmed at Highclere.
I have read your books on Lady Almina and Lady Catherine, and enjoyed them very much–I’m looking forward to reading your latest!
I also look forward to seeing Highclere one day; I love the architecture and history of old houses.
Thanks for all that you do!
Thank you!
Dear Lady Carnavon,
Greetings from Texas! I am absolutely thrilled to learn about the upcoming Downton Abbey movie. The lively characters and engrossing storylines captured my attention and my heart. What a wonderful addition to the television series! I just adored Dame Maggie Smith; her epic one liners and sharp wit always made me smile. Your entertaining conversations with Houston PBS’ Ernie Manouse in the “Across the Pond” segments after Downton Abbey were fun and informative.
On a personal note, I am visiting London in March, 2018 and sadly, Highclere is not open to the public. Perhaps a future visit is in order. In the meantime, I will enjoy your lovely books and try the recipes.
I love your beautiful blog and look forward to reading future posts. Thank you for sharing your marvelous home, family stories and passion for history and entertaining with others. Have a wonderful day!
Kindest Regards,
Stacey Brown
The Woodlands, Texas
There will be some open days in March – I thought I could create some cooking days and special tours. It is juts because of the weather and our grass car parking we tend to have smaller groups and some charity days rather like this October.
Thank you so much! A cooking day or a special tour sounds absolutely wonderful. I’d love to know more.