

The Highclere Castle evacuees on a country walk
Can any of us imagine what the tiny children, only three or four years old, must have felt when they climbed onto a bus in a small north London street one September morning and trundled out of the city, travelling for some two hours before arriving at a strange, enormous, blacked-out house in the middle of the countryside with just their teachers and assistants, the latter who were just young girls, still teenagers, themselves? Or what their parents must have felt like, arms around each other, waving their children goodbye, being brave, as the bus disappeared from view?
In fact, some of the parents simply could not bear the parting and came to collect their children soon after they arrived. History does not relate what happened to them but, given how badly London was bombed in the Second World War, it may not have worked out well for all of them.
However, the photographs of the ones that remained here draw us in, evoking glimpses of their life of country walks, clambering on gates, groups of them clustering round their teachers. Perhaps they would have laughed as they chased falling leaves or looked for where the fairies lived in the remains of tree stumps. Spring would have been welcome each and every year with the hope that perhaps the war might end and they could go home.
It certainly would have been a very different life to the urban industrial world they had been born into. In one archive folder is a sketch book full of crayon drawings on rough brown paper done by the children. Looking closely at each one gives clues to what they saw, from the tanks (I know they were Canadian) to Lord Carnarvon (who had to be a King because he lived in a Castle).
It was not just the children whose childhoods were fundamentally altered. The teachers and nursing assistants sent with them had very little time off and a very different training and experience from their original plans. The clothes they could not buy due to lack of supply, the dances they could not go to as they were “stuck out” in the countryside although I am sure there were fun moments too with admiring glances from locally billeted soldiers and lifts hitched into Newbury to meet friends.

The nurses writing their names on the Castle roof – you can still read them today
In Spring 1945 the girls looking after the children would have been crowded round wireless sets, listening to the news, hoping that the allies were advancing, picking up the gossip in local pubs from the American airbase at Greenham. Rationing remained, not just of the news but of clothes and food, so the idea of lent and fasting during spring would not have been the same as in times of plenty. The B-17 plane crash that took place behind the Castle would have haunted all who lived here, the estate team running up and to try to drag the airmen out. One survivor was taken away to hospital still alive whilst the USA Air Force from Greenham Common collected and removed all the major parts of the plane.
And then, almost without warning, the war in Europe was over. The cheers must have been heard by the legendary man in the moon with enormous crowds collecting in London and other cities, the tears of relief and the smiles. Would the children staying here have understood the news? Perhaps they were still too young but I like to imagine that they grasped the fact that they would be seeing their parents again.
“Imagine” by John Lennon has become almost the song of choice that we sing or hum along to when contemplating a world of peace:
“Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one.”
Over 140 million people have viewed him singing this on “YouTube” but I wonder what those who shouted for joy on VE Day would think of where we are today?
At the very least our celebration at Highclere this year on 8th May, along with all those other events happening throughout Europe, is about saying thank you to all those who fought or served during WWII and to those who still serve and save today. Highclere has a big heart but we are a small team so if any of you can support us on this day, please do – we would love to have your input.
As Winnie the Pooh said “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine”.
I love this. I am in NY and currently teaching a novel called The War that Saved My Life, which is quite similar to the British story Goodnight. Mr. Tom, and my 11 year old student are interested in the story of the evacuees. Thank you for this post. I will share your thoughtful words with my classes. They know of my love of Britain, and have seen photos of my visits to Highclere. They will be excited to have a connection.
Goodnight Mr Tom is a delightful story, and you are quite right – very similar to the experiences of our evacuees.
Oh I just love that book. I just finished the sequel, and I often wonder what really happened to all of those children once the war was over. It’s fascinating how a young adult book can make me laugh and cry as much as any adult novel can. And it’s amazing how Highclere has been so many different things to so many different people through the centuries. Please keep the information coming Lady Carnarvon.
I will do my best.
I was thinking about The War that Saved My Life too! My friend, Kim Bradley wrote that book as well as its amazing sequel. I would also love to know about the children after their experience at Highclere Castle. Thank you for this post, Lady Carnarvon!
Lady Carnarvon, I hope the children and all those who looked after them saw there families again. The war was over and peace and joy returned but they went through hell to get it. For all those that served in the war God bless you where ever you are.
The children all left here in one piece, what they went home to was unknown.
I was not aware that children were evacuated to Highclere during the war. How many children came to Highclere and for how long a period of time. Very interesting. I so enjoy reading your blogs each Monday.
We had around 80 children here aged between 2 and 7 for most of the war.
My “Daddy” served in World War II (United States Navy) and my mother was a civilian air patrol warden for
her neighborhood. Always appreciate what each did for the war effort. The cruelest irony to John Lennon’s “Imagine” the number of conflicts and wars that have occurred, and continue to happen. Thank you for the heartfelt story.
How wonderful to know those children were safe and secure at Highclere. And hopefully we will all be safe and secure from the coronavirus by May be able to have events and celebrations. This was our three-day weekend for Mardi Gras/Carnivale and today the first day of Greek Lent, known as “Clean Monday”, but all parties and parades were cancelled and we are advised to avoid crowds, of course. May you, Lady C., and all at Highclere, and our dear Highclere Monday Family be safe and stay well.
I hope that by May we will all have a much better idea of how to contain and treat this illness.
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I have loved seeing the children who looked to Highclere for their safety. What a wonderful mission for the then Earl and Countess to have
undertaken.
I am also curious what happened to those children. Maybe a Facebook inquiry would find some of these children.
Best regards,
Shelley in Virginia
PS: I have 2 daffodils forced to bloom indoors!
That is an interesting idea.
Lady Carnarvon,
What a wistful look back at how the lives of little children are affected by war. It saddens me to see pictures of children today in places where war still rages looking sad and not knowing the peace and tranquillity of the little ones at Highclere. If only more people believed, like John Lennon, that we could have peace, it would be a better world. Thank you for a thoughtful reflection.
Martha G.
I do agree with you
My goodness we have no idea how war affects our country until it happens on your own soil. Thanks for sharing your story of history.
Thank you
That was a lot of kids!
It was – around 80 in total.
Beautiful. And such a wonderful example of service. You story reminded me of a quote from Louisa May Alcott: “We can’t any of us do all we would like, but we can do our very best for every case that comes to us, and that helps amazingly.”
Thank you.
A very apt quote – thank you
I was one of those children I’m not sure how old I was when I arrived there ,all I know was I was born in October 1938 so must have been a baby, and left there ready for school, it was quite a shock to me to find my mother single by now and older brothers in a tiny flat my worst nightmare was going to school where I clashed with some of the teachers as I had an upper class accent, and people stopping my mother in the street to ask her to get me to speak, so they could laugh ,but that said I met and married a cockney lad and soon lost the accent we were married for 62 wonderful years ,sadly lost him in 2019 I have a wonderful family 8 grand children and 10 great grandchildren so life was good eventually .I visited highclere recently but there was not much about the evacuees on show possibly due to covid when I was there memories came back but things looked smaller, mostly I remembered the nurse (teacher mother friend ) who looked after me ,as I believe I was one if not the last to leave .Highclere was my home and I remember I was very sad to leave cried for years
Patricia
Thank you for your memories. We had an exhibition of what we knew about WW2 this past weekend – how amazing to hear from you.
Would you ever return so we could sit and I could listen to you – if you prefer not then it is not a problem!
please email [email protected] and let me know your thoughts- very happy to hear of your later life and happiness amidst your challenges
Thank you. A lot of thought went into this blog. Even after the war, children returned home, perhaps the family home had been destroyed and new arrangements had to be made and having to adjust to those changes. Also, understanding the reality of the loss of family members.
I started school in the early 50’s and even now I think of those young teachers that experienced the war years. Much later, the science teacher was in the RAF. Did not learn much, but the antics he got up to at Biggin Hill.
Just been watching the DVD, NANCY ASTOR and note the similarity of Cliveden and Highclere during the war years, where both served as hospitals.
Carry on Highclere and get out and see if the daffodils have started ( & the snowdrops)
The snowdrops are in abundance and we have seen the first daffodils of Spring this weekend. It gives one hope.
I recall Bob Hope. probably during a Royal Variety Show.
Then there was the war.
Followed by about 30 secs of war sounds.
I never went.
Must share this with you. Remember those JIFFY POTS used by gardeners?
Our fishing club in Kent had the fishing rights to the lake where they were made.
A large mansion house on the right and the greenhouse production area on the left.
In the early 20’s there were a few summer houses scattered around the grounds and much naughtiness occurred.
The path to the lake was through an area lined with ferns and some of those red and white toadstools. Someone had placed a cocktail stick of a pixie in the top of one of them. Magical. The owner was always impressed with the work done by the club, he always returned the water rental cheque.
Were those the little peat pots? Yes, I do remember them. Very useful for growing plants from seed.
No I can’t imagine, I live in the United States, Thanks for Highclere being there for all the children,
Thank you. Highclere always has and always will look outwards to help others.
Thank you for sharing this bit of history concerning Highclere and WWll‼️
Thank you
You brought a tragic piece of history to life in such a gentle and loving way. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us. You always make my Monday mornings beautiful!
You are kind – thank you
I want to send a hug and a large thank you to you my Lady for your thought provoking story. As I was read this I was taken back in time. I could almost hear the bombing noises, the sobs of the parents and the eventual laughter of the children.
I enjoy reading your wonderful stories that bring me to your side of the pond. Some day I hope to see your lovely home and meet you and Lord Carnarvon.
You must come – in early Summer the gardens are at their best.
Your blogs are always a great read. So interesting and educational, and the pictures are equally delightful. The last one in this issue is especially nice. Is there anything as sweet and peaceful as the face of a sleeping little one?
Thank you for making my Mondays a little brighter.
I agree – fast asleep on a makeshift bed in a strange place – bless their heart.
I was born in Mississippi, USA, in 1940. My father was gone 1942-45 for WWII, much of that time spent in Europe. In spite of the war, he especially loved England and the English people. I, too, am an Anglophile and have visited your beautiful country several times, but we have not visited Highclere because it was booked 2 years out the last time we were over there! Being a child during the war has made me love and appreciate all those who have served to save our countries. There were very few healthy young and even middle-aged men left in our small town, as most were serving in the war. Thank you for the human interest story about the children; it really made those days come alive. Thank you for sharing.
You must come back and visit.
What an interesting email to wake up to today. As I read your words, like everyone else, I wondered what DID happen to the children when they left.
I have no doubt that had this happened on YOUR watch at Highclere, we’d know exactly where each child went and into what circumstances each landed. And we might even know which were still alive – and where they live now!
Thank you for so generously sharing your magnificent home and its history.
Fondly,
Bonnie. Bartel Latino
Alabama
You are kind – thank you. We do have letters from some the children and their parents after the war so we know that some went on and did thrive in the end.
This is the first time I have been on your website Lady Canarvon & I feel honoured to be able to do this. I have watched some of your video’s on utube & enjoyed them immensely, especially your cooking video’s. Thank you for sharing a bit of WW11 history with us today. It is so difficult for people here in North America who were born post war times to imagine how terrible it would have been for families to be separated from their loved ones, especially children.
Welcome! I am glad to hear you like my videos, you must tell me your favourite recipe.
Welcome to Lady Carnarvon’s “Monday” Family!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,I was born in 1939 in Chelmsford, Essex which was a prime target of the German Airforce. We had Compton Electrick, Marconi Electrick, and Hoffman Ballbearing plants. My Father was in the HomeGuard and at night he would sometimes take me out of our Morrison Air RAID shelter to watch the V 1 Bzz Bombs go over. We had to carry our gas masks around our necks on the way to School, at age 4 ! My wife and I visited Highclere three years ago and loved the secret garden and the castle. We look forward to your blog. I am a retired Engineer living in Florida with my lovely Wife who enjoyed having tea on the lawn at Highclere.
Moments of peace today – I still have one of the children’s gas masks here…
Hello and welcome to the Lady Carnarvon Monday Group! You are now a ‘groupie’ along with the rest of us! You are in for a treat every Monday.
I always like to start my Monday with your blog post! What a story and the pictures to go with it are fascinating. I wonder if any of those children have ever come back to see Highclere as adults and whether you or your husband have met them?
We have had some letters from the children and their descendants.
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for this very kind, thoughtful true story. My heart goes out to the children and I pray they were safely reunited with their parents. Many thanks to Highclere for keeping the children safe. Thank you so very much!
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I wonder if any of those children shown in your pictures are still alive and how wonderful it would be for them to return to Highclere to meet you. Maybe one of them will have seen this blog or know one of the children in the photograph. That would be very interesting to learn of their experience as it not only could have been frightening for them but maybe seen as an adventure for them. Thank you for this post as it reminded me of a book I read called The Girl They Left Behind.
Stay well and I hope to visit one day after this virus has simmered down.
Fondly,
Diana
South Florida
I wonder if any of those children might come back – I imagine with mixed feelings
Back in Summer 2019 at one my Aircraft talks at the Airman Statue in the grounds of the Castle, I had the great pleasure of meeting Frank Smith, he told me he was one of the many London evacuees to come to Highclere during the war. His stories were amazing to listen to, it was like having a living history book right in front of me telling me what it was like to live back then.
Seeing the Nurses’ names up on the Castle roof from War time is amazing, even more so that it’s still there today. Everyone who visits Highclere Castle thinks of Downton Abbey, me included, as it a great period drama, but there are many real life dramas that were played out on this estate over the years that would make a best seller book and film on their own: like the sad story of the Boeing B-17 or the two Mosquito aircraft from the same airfield that were lost here. There is even a discovery of Egyptian treasure by two close friends who traveled 5,305 to find their dream. Seeing photos of these children just brings it home how precious they really are, this is what I love about history it’s all real and right there in front of you.
You are quite right Paul, Highclere has history at every turn.
Dear Lady C., Thanks again for your post! The children were lucky to end up at Highclere! God bless you and your family. I hope to visit you again in the near future. No doubt I’ll have champagne again and hug one of the beautiful cedars on your front lawn. Sincerely, Karen Roman – NJ USA
Please do!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This truly pulled at my heart on so many levels. It is impossible to imagine the suffering of so many during the World Wars. The precious children, and those who cared for them, are mirrored in the peaceful face of the sleeping child. Reassurance, patience, love and care for those who could not understand what befell them, and Highclere provided a safe haven. A friend of ours was evacuated from London as a child, and sent to a farm in the countryside. He tells that they had food, yet many in the cities were starving. He was about eight years old, and could understand a bit more of what was happening in the world. Whilst he missed his parents, the family that cared for him were kind people, and he had some happy times in the midst of the sufferings of war.
My father served for three and half years in the European Theatre, beginning in England, during WWII. He was a Captain in a Mobile Army Medical Unit just behind Patton’s troops. He spoke with great affection of the warmth and kindness of the British people, and how they worked tirelessly to help and support everyone. God bless.
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
Thank you – do you know that General Patton came for lunch here in June 1944? Again the “Lady Catherine” book is a fun and I hope moving read.
Having just finished reading Erik Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” about Churchill’s incredible efforts during WWII, I marvel at the resiliency and courage of the people. Thank you sharing Highclere’s part in this.
It is extraordinary what our Grandparents’ generation endured.
So well written! You are a marvelous story teller. I wonder how long the children stayed at Highclere? The pictures are heart wrenching. What a sad time in history and sad that we are repeating it still today. So grateful you and your “little” staff are supporting lives of the people in harms way!
If you ever have time do try “Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey” – more stories there
Lady Carnarvon, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful and moving post.
God bless the Carnarvon family for opening their beautiful home and welcoming all those children during the dark days of World War II. What a safe and gorgeous haven it must have been for them.
And may God continue to bless you and your family for all the wonderful things you do.
No more than many others – but thank you
My family is American. My mother’s first husband was a pilot in WWII, shot down after a mission to bomb a Germany factory. The mission was successful, but he was killed. He is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery. The interesting thing about this story is that my mother never told me or my sisters about her first marriage or anything about this brave man. I learned of it from my grandmother, when I was ten years old, and I was sworn to secrecy and never said anything to my mother. When my mother died I found pictures, love letters, all his correspondence to her during the war. I don’t know where she hid these, but I never found them until after she died. I often wonder if she wanted me to find them. I never understood why she didn’t tell us. My father was also in the war and was given the Bronze Star.
You can only imagine her loss and tears – and then she found love again
Another wonderful post. I wonder if any of those “children” will surprise you and come back for your VE Day celebrations on 8 May!
Would that not be amazing!!!
Thank you for this very thoughtful and inspiring piece. I can only try to understand the hardship and grief of parents and children being separated during wartime, hoping to keep the children safe. How difficult it was for the people of England, and Europe in general, to be forced to endure such horrible experiences as those during World War II. I’ve read a lot about the history of this War and it leaves me feeling so incredibly sad. By all means, we need to pray for peace. “Imagine” — so very appropriate.
Best wishes to you and thank you,
Margo, from USA
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for that genuinely lovely and touching post.
When I was very young, the young woman (this was in the mid-sixties so I suppose she would have been only about twenty-five or twenty-six, herself, whereas both of my parents were hitting thirty and been married since both were twenty) who occasionally cared for my brothers and me worked as a secretary at some government agency (we lived that year in Washington, DC), and she would come on weekends to “Babysit” us. My brother and I were seven, and our younger brother was about a year old.
I probably should emphasize that my mother, who ran the household,, was completely present and on-site at all times. So, we didn’t quite know why we had a nanny, who wasn’t really a nanny and certainly nothing as insignificant as a “babysitter”. To begin with, she always ate dinner with my parents when she, living a few miles away, came for one of her frequent stays. What we DID know is that she was blonde, quite pretty, a source of riddles/jokes that we never quite understood, and was thoroughly English. “Mary Poppins” was, of course, the biggest hit of the year, that particular year…….and here we were, sitting in a suburb of DC, with a REAL ENGLISH NANNY. We thought she was marvelous.
I was at least twenty-five, myself (certainly well-out of college), when I asked my mother about Della (who did, indeed, have a name). The sad truth (of a sort with which most Americans would be unfamiliar) is that she, as the youngest member of her family in London, had been the only one evacuated out to the countryside before the blitz. Her siblings (two brothers, both much older than her) and both of her were killed in either the blitz or the war itself. She’d spent the last part of her childhood in a Canadian (don’t ask me how that move came about) orphanage, eventually gone to secretarial school, and had simply decided to take a job in Washington, DC., where her boss was one of my parents’ friends.
It’s sweet to recall now (and I turn sixty in a few months) that, while the matter was never even alluded to when my brothers and I were young, my mother’s since said “But Della didn’t have any family left after the war. She never met anyone to marry in Canada…..so what could we do except share you boys with her? She LOVED you boys. We were lucky in America….. the war never came here…”
Well……we loved Della, who would take us to the National Zoo, the Natural History Museum, and any number of other sights in the capital. The nice end to the story, last I heard my mother speak of Della, is that she did, indeed and as regularly happens to bright and pretty secretaries in DC, meet a very nice American man who married her and took her off to live in California….where ad with whom I gather she still lives.
Well….thank you again for the lovely and, as ever on your blog, evocative posting.
Sincerely,
David Terry
Quail Roost Farm
Rougemont, NC
USA
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I wonder too, what life must have been like for those children during the war. They must have missed their parents a lot too. I guess they felt safe in the middle of this large estate. Hopefully.
Imagine today, if such a danger was imminent in London, who would let their children go like that? Probably no one! But yet, I think this idea was probably a good one. It protected children, the future generations, the futur of your nation.
It was so generous of Lady Almina to open her house like that. How did they get revenus in those days? Where did the money come from? Did they live off their land and what it could offer? It all seems so obvious when we watch Downton Abbey, or even an earlier period with a Jane Austen story for instance, that money came, or was inherited, but not too clear for me who needs to work weekdays to pay my bills and travel a little! LOL!!!
Meilleures salutations!
Chantal
Montréal, Canada
Dear Chantal,
In regard to your question?…..you’ll find an answer (at times, an all-too-thorough answer; it’s a BIG book) in Cannadine’s justly-praised “The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy”. Beginning with the effects of the Corn Laws in the 1830’s, the book traces the economic decline of most aristocratic families through the Agricultural Depression(s) of the late 19th century…..which were the two or so decades during which it became irrefutably obvious that the old, titled families could no longer subsist on the revenues from their land (agriculture, tenant rents, etcetera). This was all just fine and dandy if one happened to be the Duke of Westminster …..who, himself, happened to own most of what became the new centers of shipping and business in London, so that he became (and, I think, still is) the richest peer in England…….but the times were more than merely skimpy for most aristocractic landlords. Of course, the 1929 financial crash and the subsequent depression wiped out the remaining money for most of the families who’d blithely assumed that land would always provide a living. You’ll have noticed that those “saved by the bell” financial rescues for the Crawleys inevitably derived from, say, an American, midwest department chain owned by a singularly untitled, Jewish family, or the money accrued by the adventuring and entreprenurial relation of Matthew’s first fiancee (and recall that solidly middle-class Matthew, himself, wasn’t in the least a landed member of the aristocracy). Julian Fellowes is, obviously, quite aware of the financial straits during those times.
The most amusing chapter of Cannadine;s book deals with the various hare-brained (and inevitably futile) schemes various peers coughed up in order to save their estates/way of living. I can’t recall which of them it was that decided to continue digging for coal on his depleted estate. The extended mines ran straight under and all across the front lawns and right up to the base of the house, so that the front facade was eventually in danger of completely collapsing. The most amusing (and not entirely futile) attempts at retrieving a family fortune (or at least maintaining a veneer of middle-class comfort) were made by the mother of the Mitford sisters after they had, somewhat appalledly, found themselves in possession of enormous Batsford Hall.
Oh well…..the money-woes of the British aristocracy. At a certain point, I can’t help recalling the aristocrat who, when her house on the Riviera was thoroughly robbed, made the great mistake of announcing to some reporters that they needn’t grieve too much, since the thieves had managed to steal nothing beyond “my bijoux de plage”. What a relief, of course……
As has been wryly noted by more than a few folks over the decades, even when these people supposedly lose everything, they do manage to still have a little bit (to say the least) left over. I can’t recall anyone’s crying to any remarkable extent when the Cavendishes had to give up Hardwick Hall and were left with only Bolton Castle and dowdy, old Chatsworth.
In any case, “The Decline and Fall of The English Aristocracy” is a very informative (if dauntingly long) read.
Best wishes,
David Terry
Quail Roost Farm
Rougemont, NC
USA
Wow! Thank you David Terry, I might just plundge into the book even if it’s long… We’ll see, but I really enjoyed reading your answer!
Regards,
Chantal Leblanc
I am so proud of the British people who kept the little children safe during the War. My dad was gone for three years when I was born in 1941. Love your historical stories each week. Thank you for sharing your precious time with me across the pond.
We here forget your lost family years – thank you
Excellent story. Please write more of Highclere and the Carnarvons’ roles in WWII. I know that the British govt. was intending to evacuate the Royals and possibly Winston Churchill but they refused to leave (great bravery!). The gold reserves were sent to Canada to prevent the Nazis from getting them should they invade in Operation Sea Lion. I finished reading a book on General Patton.
“LAdy Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey” is about this time – Please do try it. General Patton can here – there is a great Norwegian story ( crowns and caves!)
Everyone just kept going, one foot in front of another
Your writing filled my heart again. You are so gifted.
Thank you but it is just this house that tells the stories
When last we spoke (at the Church talk last fall), you mentioned you were hoping to get a B-17 to flyover Highclere during the VE Day event, and you were also hoping to get sponsors for that. Was wondering if you have been able to do that, and if not, if you would like some assistance? I live in Southern California and a lot of B-17’s were made here (and up the coast in Washington State)-I have a few connections to local war/airplane museums who may be able to provide some guidance as to a pathway to sponsorships. Let me know if I can be of service to you and the team.
Sincerely,
Janet Lee Krochman, CPA
How very kind – I have booked the last B-17 in this country that still flies. It is an amazing plane and very poignant as the USA descendants of the 1945 B-17 aircrew are flying over to join us on May 8th. Any help would be so helpful. I have to pay for the insurance and petrol etc which is £7,000. Any contribution and every contribution would be very kind.
Please forgive my ‘eaves dropping’, but I have to ask Ms Janet Krochman about the B-17. My Father was a top turret gunner and an engineer on a B-17 in WWII in the South Pacific. I was blessed to be at Highclere in 2018 for Heroes at Highclere. I saw the B-17 fly over during that event. It was wonderful. However, I would dearly love to see the plane up close. It would mean everything to me. I thank you in advance. I hope it is OK that I reply to you like this.
I live in Florida. I am 70, so this is on my bucket list.
L. Sue Smith
Always a pleasure to read your historical posts. Perhaps you’ll consider a history of the castle some day.
Thank you for this weeks bit of history. All the best!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We have friends who were originally from the Liverpool area in England. They were a few years older than us so they remember the war years. They told us the stories of how and why the youngsters were evacuated to live in the country. Doug (they were Barb & Doug) remembered getting on a train with very little explanation. He said he had no clue what was going on. He was scared. I think he was around 7 or 8. I’ve tried to imagine myself as an 8 year old being taken away from my parents in that way. I shudder at the thought of any of my sweet Great Granddaughters being put in that same situation. I only hope the parents of the little Highclere evacuees knew where their treasures were staying. I think it would have given them peace knowing they were being cared for and protected there. What a comfort.
I love seeing the pictures. The little children just melt my heart.
Are the events for May 8 on the web site? I would so love to attend the celebration.
Speaking of special events at Highclere… Heroes at Highclere was an amazing event that also celebrated and honored those who fought in any of the wars. We will never forget how when perfect strangers saw my husband’s Vietnam Veterans hat, they walked up to my wonderful husband and thanked him for his service. It was very healing to his heart after the rejection when he came home in 1968.
Thank you again for being so caring…
Kindest Regards,
L. Sue Smith
Thank you – the details are on the web site – we hope a core will gather here – we have so much space. I am not looking for huge crowds – the advantage of some of our technology is to share it.
(https://highclerecastleshop.co.uk/categories/admission-tickets) I appreciate we have our worries today but so did they! Keep calm, eat well, keep walking and carry thoughtfully on.
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Yes difficult to imagine however a chance for protection. Hoping for safety for all, always. Happy first days of Spring.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for a wonderful blog, I read this to my mum, (Unfortunately, her eyesight, isn’t what it was) Mum and her brother were evacuated as children, they went from industrial Leeds to a farm in Lincolnshire, even now mum can remember everything about their time there, and how wonderful the family were, she said she was even upset, when the time came to return home, the family had given them a pet rabbit and she thought she would have to leave the rabbit, she didn’t, and can remember returning home on the train, with the rabbit.
Hope you have a wonderful day on the 8th May and that the weather is kind.
Best wishes
Lorraine.xx
What a lovely story
My aunt took in a boy in her home in Wales during the war and after the war he just stayed with her family of 3 boys and became part of our family. I was born and raised in Canada but on a recent visit to Wales I met him. Such a great connection.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
It has taken me all day to pull my emotions together after your wrenching portrayal of children evacuees at Highclere. I vaguely knew about this history, but not Highclere’s involvement.
Perhaps because I have two granddaughters, ages 7 and 3, I could immediately imagine them leaving their parents on that transport for an unknown time. Imagining that wiped me out…I have always admired the English response to WWII, but how these people got through this I do not know.
I see one of your wonderful books here to flesh out that story…thank you for this poignant story told in your inimitable way.
Thank you
Thank you for your lovely post. I have an interesting story about the workings of the war here in the U.S. Though my Dad and several uncles and family friends from that era assumed they’d be going to war, they were uniformly rejected because of their college educations and professional status (doctors, lawyers etc.). They would automatically have been officers. Doesn’t make sense, does it? They were African American and in some cases would have commanded white troops which in a segregated military would not have been permitted. There were scores of Black men who were rejected solely because of the military’s refusal to have Black officers. I always wondered why many of the men of my Dad’s set never served and finally the son of one of these men whose father was a physician told me. The vast majority of Black servicemen were only allowed to be cooks, cleaners or laborers. When they came home to America, full of stories of the wonderful time and kind people they’d met in Europe, it inspired a whole generation of Black jazz musicians to relocate to London, Paris and Rome.
How sad, just think of how much they could have contributed. But perhaps they were safer at home.
Hello,
A wonderful story and memory for the house. My mother was 11, when the war started. She is now 89! She would tell us stories about my grandmother saving tinfoil, bacon fat, etc.; growing a vegetable garden. We loved the stories. Grandma would tell us too. When my mother taught school, she would talk about the war and the kids thought she was talking about Veitnam!!! This was in the late 60s early 70s.
I enjoy all things historic about that time of life. Thank you for your continued stories and memories.
Lisa Cosgrove
Bolingbrook IL
It is incredible to think of what that generation endured.
So enjoy reading your stories! Such a beautiful way Highclere helped those children during a difficult time. I know my mother in law and her family lived in London at a time during the war and left to go to Oxford. Wonderful history you share!!
Thank you
What beautiful and poignant blog this Monday. As an American, it is hard to imagine what it is like actually being touched by war the England was during WWII. Although we experienced the loss of men and women serving in the armed forces (my mother lost her brother when the troop transport he was on was sunk by a U-Boat in the English Channel toward the end of the war), aside from Pear Harbor, our country was not ravaged as England was. Our children were not separated from their families by sending them out into the country to keep them save, and our cities were not bombed out or destroyed. It sounds as if the children at Highclere thrived in the care of their guardians, and Lord and Lady Carnarvon, although I am sure most of them were too young to understand why they had to leave their parents behind and go to a strange place.
I would hope that we all strive for a time where there is no more war. Imagine what a wonderful world that would be.
Imagine . . .
It’s a bit late. The posting today was both sad and uplifting. War damages everyone. It has touched my family in every generation throughout our genealogy. While I can wear the ribbons/medals of being a “Daughter of …..” (so many different organizations), I would love to know that no one else in my family would pay the price associated with the horrors of war.
Thank you for another reminder of Highclere’s history. May we live in peace for at least moments of each day.
I do so agree.
Is there anything more beautiful than the faces of children?
Thank you for sharing these lovely photos with all your readers.
Nothing, I agree.
Lady C,
Thanks for writing yet another eloquent post and more images of Highclere. I read C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (one of my favorite books) to my second graders (7-8) every January. I always imagine the professor’s beautiful home to look very much like Highclere. As the Pevensie children arrive to the house, because of being displaced by the war, I can see them exploring all the nooks and crannies of the great house not realizing Narnia was hidden just behind the wardrobe doors. I’ll bet many of the children housed at Highclere during war found it to be a source of comfort, intrigue, exploration and so much more. Thanks for sharing this chapter from Highclere’s history. I so enjoy reading your blogs.
A wonderful book – thank you.
Thank you……I love that the signatures are still there on the roof.
So do I.
My Mother was a British War Bride, she was called up when she was 18 to serve in the Women’s Land Army, she was from Essex. She was billeted very near her home town of Braintree and was able to live at home, during her time serving. She worked on a chicken farm that belonged to a Jewish husband and wife that fled from Germany. She told of working in the beet fields and going to the dances with her friends at the air base and some of the shenanigans they got up to. She spoke of the children that were evacuated from the cities especially London, it is only 40 miles South of Braintree, to the country during the war. I believe one of her sisters who was married took in some evacuees during the war. She often spoke of all the hardships they endured, the black out curtains that her Mother made, rationing, the bombs, air raid shelters, watching the sky to count the bomber planes coming back to the nearby airbase after a mission. She met my Dad who was an American airman that was stationed at the first American airbase built in England, Great Saling or Andrew’s Field. My parents were married in the UK and my brother was born there. After the war ended in 1946, Mom and baby brother sailed across on a hospital ship that was used to transport war brides to the States, they arrived in New York went through processing then took the train to Ohio where they were met by her in-laws, my Grandparents. Such a long, grueling trip and so far away from everything she was used to and coming to a strange place, I realize how very brave she was! I have her little diary that she kept, writing of her preparations beforehand and during the trip across the Atlantic with my brother who was just a baby. She always told us stories and was proud of her WLA service and Dad was proud of his military service and spoke often of it. Mom had been in the States for 16 years and during that time she lost her Dad, which broke her heart that she never saw him alive again, Her Mother, my Nana, came over and spent a year with us when I was just a baby in 1957. So in 1962, Mom planned her first trip back “home”. She, my brother who was 17 and me, I was 5, took the train from our hometown in Ohio to New York and flew TWA, I still have my “wings” that the stewardess gave me! We visited for 3 months. My Dad stayed back home in Ohio, he had his job to consider. Growing up I traveled with my Mom or both of my parents and eventually myself and our daughter. Many times I have crossed the Atlantic to visit my Aunties, Uncles and Cousins in England. I only have 1 Auntie left there, but a lot of 1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins now and even Godchildren! My husband I just made the trip this past December to spend Christmas with them for the very first time. We were able to visit Highclere Castle and it was absolutely wonderful. I just finished reading your Lady Catherine book and really enjoyed it. Thank You for all you do to keep history alive and well at Highclere! Best Wishes for a wonderful VE day celebration on May 8th, (which by the way is my husband’s birthday)!
What a brave lady your Mum was.
Good morning, it must have been very frightening for the children to leave their homes but such a magical place to stay…lots of fresh air compared to London and its danger. My mother was also evacuated during the World War 11 to the outskirts of Southampton. Where did the children and carers sleep?
They slept on the top floor, which is also where their schoolroom was.
Such a fascinating insight into those awful War days and so heartwarming to read about the evacuees since I hadn’t realised Highclere had given them refuge at that time. Thank you for sharing this with us. My husband and I were thrilled to visit last summer, probably on the hottest day of the year, and it was an unforgettable experience. Returning to the War theme, both of our late fathers served during WW2 like many others. My father was in the Royal Navy and served in India and what was then Ceylon. He sadly died when I was just 13 and not interested in asking all the many questions I should have loved to put to him had he lived. I do gather he loved those countries and their people from my mother. My husband’s father had quite a war in several theatres including landing at Sword Beach on D Day, and liberating Belsen at the end of the war. He never spoke of it sadly but it’s hardly surprising given what he must have witnessed. They were a very special generation and although neither of us was born until well after the war, we never cease to appreciate the sacrifices they, and millions of others, made to give us the freedom we enjoy to this day. Thank you for all you share, and to the others who share their experiences on here. It is a wonderful and uplifting site to read.
The sacrifice of the generation that came before us is indeed awe inspiring.
Lady Carnarvon, It is wonderful to have all these photographs from the archives. The one of the little girl sleeping is so precious. Blessings on your day.
Thank you
Good Afternoon! I love seeing your emails when they come! I was just wondering if all the children that were left at Highclere were picked up by their parents? I’m sure no matter how young they were they felt the relief and joy from all those around them! Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us, they are so very welcomed!
There is a story at the end of Catherine which always brings tears – for me
Seeing these pictures of the children and reading your words brought me to tears. For children leaving their parents that young is very hard since they do not understand. They did not see the dark side, but they missed their parents terribly. Today, children living in constant terror like the refugees in Syria and any war zone affects them for the rest of their lives. Thank you for your moving entry of these children’s sad separation from their parents and their care givers’ sacrifices. It would be a wonderful reunion to have the surviving children and care givers gather at Highclere one day!
We are trying to find some of them
In the constant bombing over the towers of London, 80 little children wave goodbye to family and friends to board, along with their teachers, a bus traveling to the countryside and live hidden safely away inside the huge castle of the king and queen until it was safe again to return home.
Sounds like the beginning of a good children’s book to me!
I can only imagine what it would be like to walk the grounds of Highclere Castle. I was sad to find out that the castle would not be open for tours on the dates I have available while I am in the UK for a photo show 12 March and 18 March. How I would love to photograph the castle, to stand before it and dream. I am an American Downton Abbey Fan. Hopefully there will be a day when I will be able to see the castle for my self.
There are special guided tours on the 12th and 17th March ? Whilst it is small numbers of guests we can often accommodate 1 or 2 more.
To lady Carnarvon , I would like to visit Highclere castle if we could recive an invitation to come play music for you . American Bluegrass
My wife and I have tickets to an event at Highclere Castle on 22nd March, Mothers Day. Would it be possible to visit the crash site of Dee Stewart on the grounds? He was engaged to marry my Aunt Carmen Nielson, who ultimately married Dee’s brother Willard Stewart after the war. It would mean a great deal to my Stewart family members and myself to share this visit with them through photos and live video if possible.
Thank you,
I am going to forward this to Paul to see if he can help on the day – look forward to seeing you
History and how your home and land played its part….Priceless. I’m sure the children were at first frightened and the parents as well. But perhaps they used the approach of it as an adventure for the children to try and win them over. Great read and John Lennon’s song Imagine is priceless!
After reading your books it made me aware of the many ways Highclere has helped so many in history. The history is so fascinating and have loved bringing so much to life with my two visits. Planning on being back in April with my husband as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Love reading so much more interesting things each Monday. Thank you so much and thanks to so many people behind the scenes that work so hard to keep Highclere such a great place.
We look forward to welcoming you again in April!
Lady Carnarvon,
I will mark my calendar for May 8 for the Celebration of thanks for those who served and fought in WWII. I cannot imagine of what it felt like to go through such a time. Living in the USA you really have not experienced bombs. John Lennon’s song is so beautiful . .
I love hearing it.
You are a very thoughtful lady.
Blessings to you,
Phyllis
Thank you
I am new to your blog.. I so enjoyed reading the details of the castle and how its so much more than Downton Abbey. I can’t wait to read your books.. For you to take the time to respond to all the comments is remarkable as is keeping the Highclere’s history alive… Looking for to each of your friday events.
Thank you my week is busy!!
What an awesome tribute to those that spent time at Highclere.. I know from meeting you a few years back and following your blogg how passionate you are about your home and the family and the history.. Thankyou for opening up your home and sharing this with us all.. May you all stay safe and take care, hopefully we will see your lovely home and you guys in the not so distant future… Thankyou once again…
My mum is the little girl standing on the gate to the right. She was born December 1935 in London. Mum remembered being at Highclere Castle, unfortunately we lost her in July 2021. The last month of her life she was very poorly but spent every day watching Downton Abbey from the moment she got up to the moment she went to bed.
So sorry to hear your sad news
My grandpa was evacuated from London to a small holding at Binley. He has fond memories of his time there helping out on the farm. The man named Walt who he was staying with was a local licensed rabbit catcher. My grandpa has a memory of going out early one morning with Walt, his ferrets in a bag to go catch rabbits. He says out of the fog loomed the biggest and most beautiful house he had ever seen, it was Highclere Castle. At 88years old he still talks fondly of his time as an evacuee.