
It is “all hands on deck” as we prepare the Castle for the Easter opening. Over the winter the weather has continually been against us in terms of the fields we use for car parking and they are still very wet. In addition, we have not been able to clear up and repair fences and tracks as much as we would have liked as it would have made it more of a muddy mess. Even the sheep along the exit route in the park have managed to knock over and ruin the signage.
Wet weather has, however, helped the gardeners, who have planted large groups of cornus and birch in the damp ground in the Wood of Goodwill. They have also managed to mulch and prepare the flower beds, which look neat and well worked.
Pat Withers and her team have been busy decorating, as usual torn between conflicting “departments” – the tearooms, gift shop, the French windows in the Castle and inside the basement corridors that take wear and tear. Ellie has been re-gilding the tomb in the Egyptian exhibition and then dulling it down so that it is not too gaudy. It all remains, as ever, work in progress. Sadly time has had to be taken moving Pat’s bee hives because one was stolen last week. They are precious not just in terms of money but far more for what they represent-please see the earlier post)
Sid and Bob were supposed to pull out and anchor down the visitor kiosk last week but kept forgetting. Having cleaned the coach house tearooms, more shelves were put up by Andy and Tony so it all needed cleaning again. New computers are nearly in but not quite and Sally has poached all my men from the estate office and cottages to make new display units for her gift shop. I have made no progress in the last week whatsoever, but she has various new ways to show off her jewellery and scarves. Tony and Andy have happily found she has “broken” boxes of fudge and copious supplies of tea to encourage such participation in her schemes.
I have spent some time in the garages signing 500 books – with cups of tea, a radio but no fudge.
The guides are ready to come back en masse but there is still no guide’s room as there is still no estate office yet… but lots of pretty display space for Sally! Luis has his tea room staff buzzing around and Sally has her gift shop team scrubbing and cleaning and emptying boxes of goodies.
Luckily for Highclere, unlike in the “Downton Abbey” scene, the guides do know who is who in the paintings and they have plenty of stories to relate. The guides are a unique and delightful group of about 38 women and two brave men. Sometimes age catches up with one or two of them so that their hearing is not as sharp as it once was but persevere as they have the best stories. Age at Highclere has little relevance and we all keep going. Our head guide, Diana, is marvellously well organised and her husband preaches in church. I imagine, like all of us, his thoughts and prayers are turned to think of those who grieve in Brussels.
Lady Carnarvon, you will have to beat Sally at her own game by stocking up on tea and fudge. On the 8th April I’m visiting the castle. I’m so very excited. I love reading you’re blogs and I have both of you’re books.
I hope the weather improves for your visit-its a bit grey and rainy at the moment.
Thanks again for the updates. Always fun to hear!
Fudge what ? nobody said anything about fudge too us, all that work we did this afternoon & we never had any fudge unlike Tony and Andy ! it was hard work carrying that yellow sprit level about all afternoon hee hee 🙂
Nothing looked very level, Paul, despite the spirit level!!
I just discovered your blog, and love reading the posts about the Castle. Hopefully I can study abroad in the UK soon (from California) and visit in person!
Please do come and visit-We are always delighted to welcome our friends from America-and elsewhere of course.
Another lovely slice of life. It’s romantic to think of you signing away books in the garage with tea and a radio — for some reason my mind supplies a dark, candle-lit room, which couldn’t have been the case — I’m sure you had adequate illumination! 🙂 Good luck with the continuing preparations and happy Easter!
I have rewired and relit that garage…better than candles!!!
It sounds like you are taking your “spring cleaning” quite seriously. I have recently been given the honor of helping the Putman Museum in Davenport Iowa, with their “The Discovery of King Tut” exhibition. It is a stunning recreation of the finds of the Tut tomb. There are many references to the Canarvon family and their contributions making the excavations possible. Hopefully, with the recent scans, there will be more wonderful finds discovered soon.
Here’s to wishing Highclere a great summer season!
Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun – he spent the every winter excavating in Egypt from 1906 to 1922 bar the FWW – so it would be wholly incorrect just to say he made it possible – that suggests he orchestrated it from afar. That was not so at all. It was a fascinating partnership of two men. Lord Carnarvon was passionate about Egypt, its culture, art and architecture as well as the teams of people he employed to work with him.
Dear Lady C, I’ll be visiting on 3 May. The excitement is tremendous. We actually changed our travel plans and airline tickets when I was able to get tickets to Highclere! I wish I could thank you personally for sharing your beautiful home over the past six years. Happy Easter!
I was just reminiscing with my daughter about our lovely Easter visit last year! The place looked beautiful. Sadly this year I will be spending Easter at home in Canada and currently looking at the ice coating my shrubs and trees in the backyard. It will be a while until I see the daffodils poking their lovely sunny faces up at me! Have a wonderful holiday.
Oh how I love to read your blog about Highclere doings, but the theft of a bee hive just frosts me. I used to keep bees too, “the girls in the backyard,” and they are precious little ones. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May those thieves get stung.
Happy Easter to all of you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I fully endorse your comments regarding the knowledge, friendliness and courtesy of the ladies who guide guests through Highclere. They are a font of information and speak with such warmth and enthusiasm that adds to the sheer joy of visiting your magnificent residence.
Good luck and every success with the Easter opening. Hopefully the grounds will dry out soon.
The picture of ‘your men’ with Sally brought a broad smile to my face as it resembled a cross between (a) on the one hand, a Snow White and her 7 earnest followers in a “hi, ho it’s off to work we go” moment and (b) an attempt to replicate (& double) the iconic image of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road!
All of the very best wishes to you and your family together with everyone associated with Highclere for a happy and safe Easter.
Regards,
Jeffery Sewell
My first thought was Abbey Road, too! My trip to England included both Highclere and Abbey Road. 🙂
I am so glad you thought of the Beatles in Abbey Road as the men in the photo did too !!!
Lady Carnarvon…I love reading your blog…you write so wonderfully ! Mine is not a comment but a request/question as it were. I actually asked this same question on the Highclere Castle facebook page, but realize perhaps it would not be seen.
My name is Michele Curran, I live in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (very near Niagara Falls)…I am a seamstress and have come to specialize in very unique, decorative, antique/vintage style cushions. They are done with a special smocking variation using velvet. I am currently working on bolster cushions that I feel would look absolutely wonderful in your gorgeous and stately Highclere. I would love to send you a gift of a pair of my cushions and wondered if I may do so?
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
You are kind how could I say no to a gift – it is just thank you very much !
Thank you Lady Carnarvon…as soon as I have them made I will need to find out where to send them. These bolsters are perfect for the ends of Victorian furniture, a sofa or setee I will have a look at the ap to see what colours are prominent in your various sitting rooms etc. ..I am so excited and thrilled to be able to do this…thank you again. Will get in touch when all is complete for the correct address. Michele
Lovely blog! Really enjoyed hearing of your church duties as treasurer…
Thank you!
I just love looking at the pictures you post and can say, “I know EXACTLY where this is!! I was there last October!” I hope everyone gets to visit Highclere Castle as it is truly a fabulous experience!!
hello Lady Carnarvon,
I always read all your blogs and i enjoy it.., hoping soon I can visit your home.
Wish you and your family the best, Happy Easter and may the God Bless Us All
Lady Carnarvon, I’m new to your blog and I love it! It is the perfect replacement for my Downton Abbey sessions, since those are no longer available :(. I’ve entered the Downton Abbey Sweepstakes in the hopes of being able to visit Highclere. Fingers crossed! In the meantime, there is your lovely blog 🙂 Thank you for your very informative and entertaining posts.
I know you are probably tired of hearing from me. We are visiting for 2 weeks in June, traveling all over with Paul and Pauline of Homemade Holidays whom I hope you get to meet some day as they are the best ever. Travel guides as instant friends kind of thing. I get mixed feelings reading the blog. I love to hear what is happening and I’m very sorry that for the second time our trip is planned for a time when you are closed. Ah well…as you pointed out, there are much more tragic things happening in the world currently. Lovely post, and someday I am going to get to see all that is seeable of Highclere for myself!
PS…If someone has time, could they let me know if Flinders Petrie appears inside the castle as well as in your book? Thank you, Jessica
I have not found Flinders Petrie in our visitors book – as yet. In some ways his methods of care and diligence are however behind the approach of Carter and Carnarvon in their later work in Egypt. The latter two men took much pleasure from observing and reflecting on the small details of life that they found in their excavations, what you could learn from the pottery….
Dear Lady Carnarvon, thank you for your kind reply. And hopefully someday I will rectify the lack of Flinders in the visitor log!
I hope you are able to get dry with out too much delay.
Cheers, Jessica
What wonderful plans you and your staff have underway.
Sounds like everyone is inspired and pulling together.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter!
Sounds so exciting and busy…preparing for the new season of guests!
Yesterday we were ‘gifted’ with a snow storm, which covered everything with about an inch of the lovely white stuff. Looks more like Christmas time outside rather than Easter!
Hope all is well and everything dries up enough for you….
How do you cope with muddy feet indoors in case it does not improve outside?
Mats and hoovers, but it is not easy!
I enjoy your blog from across the pond. It is a vicarious experience for me and I so enjoyed Downton Abbey. Good luck with all your spring adventures.
If an additional rooms are found at Tutankhamen tomb will Lord Carnarvon be there for the opening?
I found your description of preparing the grounds especially interesting since I, too, am coming with a friend to Highclere, at the end of our month-long tour of the British Isles in July-August. Can’t wait to see your beautiful castle and park in 3-D instead of just 2-D!
I know I’ll have lots of questions for your tour guides and am looking forward to making their acquaintance, as well as enjoying the afternoon tea. I just hope that it’s dry and sunny when I come! Also looking forward to visiting the gift shop and getting souvenirs for friends who also enjoy Downton Abbey and admire your beautiful estate.
My daughter and I will be at Highclere next Saturday my second visit but her first. Cant wait !!
Thanks for the latest blog, hope everything is ready in time for opening, I can’t believe you’ve had to move the Beehives, because one was stolen, there doesn’t seem to be anything, that some people won’t steal. On a lighter note, Happy Easter to you and the family, and all the staff at Highclere. Best wishes. Lorraine.
Hi I am English living in Connecticut for 40 Years. Stll miss the “wet” place..Going to Looe for a week and would like to get a ticket for the last day Sept 14th Are they on sale yet????? Will look again on site and what is your phone number if I could call????
Must get your 2 boks eventually. The polishing the Egyptian stuff sounds fascinating???
Just got 4 hr DVD with ben Kingsley playing King Tut….Watch it tomorrow.
Janet XX
Sept 14th is sold out – but there will be walk up tickets …
I am going to Connecticut at the end of May
Happy Easter to all at Highclere.
In Victoria it is a cool dry Holiday .Daylight Saving finishes soon and we will be pleased to have some light in the morning.
Best wishes for the open day.Hope the dogs will be on their best behaviour.
Thanks for the update as always.
Cheers Jenni
Please tell me that you are open this summer! I’m planning a surprise trip for my mom who is celebrating her 75th birthday.
Love reading the blogs and keeping up with the castle.
Happy Easter!
Please do see the dates on the web site..
Good morning Lady Carnarvon,
Happy Easter to you, your Family and all your Staff. I was just looking at the photographs and the staff members seem to be a bunch of “happy little vegemites” going about their chores. My Sister and I travel to the U.K. each October (I love the weather at that time of year) but unfortunately Highclere is closed to the public. Maybe one day we shall get to see your magnificent home and take a trip in history.
God Bless all at Highclere and here is hoping this Easter may bring the start of peace to the world.
We will be open for 5 or so days from the 15th October – again we are going to have house tours but also focus a little on the gardens re Capability Brown. If the dates might work for you email the office for the attention of Michelle as she already has a list of interested guests.
You guys are just busy busy busy.
Hearing about your ‘competition’ for staffing with Sally reminds me of the Dowager Countess and Mrs. Crawley’s differences over the house as hospital as well as the flower show competition and everything else they differed on.
Happy Easter ‘weekend’.
CRG
Well it happens for real here and I can never find the men I want when I need them…
Enjoyable post as usual!
Sometimes it is necessary to have a cup of tea or coffee complimented with a square of Fudge, just to make it through the day!
Have a blessed Easter, praying it begins to dry out some there. It’s been windier here than I can remember it ever being. I do hope you get a chocolate Bunny or Cadbury egg at the very least for all your planning and effort! 🙂
I have just been given a gold wrapped chocolate bunny …
I always enjoy your posts, Lady Carnarvon! And so excited to be visiting Highclere on April 8th.
Have a wonderful Easter holiday.
-Jeff W. from Chicago
I hope the weather improves – in fact do make sure you bring sunshine!!!
Lady Carnarvon I wish you and your family, Sally and all the staff including the adorable canine and equine residents, a very happy, and wonderful Easter weekend. It is very sad indeed, about the unfortunate incidents in Brussels. May God grant the departed souls eternal peace and their grieving families strength and comfort at this difficult time. It is heart rending to see innocent lives lost so tragically at the hands of humans, who have no humanity or religion!
Dear Lady Carnarvon , nature will take her course, your excellent staff will have everything at the ready, and all will fall into place. At this special time of year, may you and your family and staff, have a very happy and blessed Easter. And peace in the world. Desiree.
We are coming from across the pond to visit your lovely home. Cannot wait…..even muddy sheep will be a sight we’ll not forget!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Wishing you a very happy Easter, some fudge, and a very successful Easter opening for Highclere. I would imagine there will be Downton Abbey pilgrims there as well. I hope to visit England and Highclere in the future as life permits!
And may there be peace in Europe and the world during this holiday time.
You quite intrigued me with the mention of the Woods of Goodwill. Is there a story to that name?
well for heaven’s sake! Who would steal a beehive from Highclere Castle??!!
That STINGS !!!
Happy Easter to All !!
Carol and Tom
Best wishes to you and yours for a happy and blessed Easter. I started following your blogs just recently and can imagine myself being at the Castle following the every-day busy-ness. Thank you so much for making yourself and Highclere real in our hearts and minds. Kathy
Lady Carnarvon, I was so sorry to hear that you’ve had a beehive stolen. I’m sure the hive and all its busy workers are much like Highclere and all of its busy people preparing for Spring. I do wonder whether Highclere is more of a target for this crime because of its Downton Abbey notoriety. Did you ever have these kinds of theft before the notoriety? Either way, it is a violation of your home, and I am again very sorry. I am from Orange County, California, close to Newport Beach, and my mum and I can’t wait to get to Highclere soon! Happy Easter!
Sadly I think the beehive was simply stolen as hives are ever more precious as bees struggle to maintain their populations. The remainder have all been moved well away from any roads or footpaths! We have planted ever more wild flower borders around the fields to help all insects..
Dear Lady Carnarvon, so sorry to hear about what “Katie” did to you last night, after all your hard work preparing for Easter. My sister and I arranged a visit to the Castle today with a afternoon tea for Christmas as my mum’s a Downton fan and loves history. They had to leave quite early from Chichester to arrive on time, of course to hear the news at the gate but mum said it was a blessing in disguise for them as my dad’s recovering from a operation and is quite tired so rearranging a later date will be better. Great to have discovered your blog, which we didn’t know about until the email today.
I hope you and your family are all ok – on the bright side everyone had Easter Sunday and after recent worldwide events it makes you thankful this is all we’ve had to cope with today!!
Best wishes
Ah, Spring! What a wonderful package of sunshine and rain, hard work and blooming delights! It sounds like everything at your ‘house’ is hurry-scurry, because of tight scheduling besides, but soon it will all settle into some sort of ‘normal’ routine again. (By the way, what IS your favorite brand/flavor of tea in the afternoon?) It is always a joy to hear from you, and catch up on the activities at Highclere. We, also, grieve for the great loss and senseless activity in Brussels.
Be safe, and God Bless
Hello Lady Carnarvon,
I just wanted to say that we visited the amazing Highclere on Saturday, all the way from Ireland, and it was such an experience. It is definately such a credit to you and Lord Carnarvon. Everyone was so lovely and helpful. I am a huge Downton fan which was the reason behind our trip, but once we got there it was so surreal and it felt really personal and an insight into your lives, it was very homely and not like a film set like I had imagined. Unfortunately the weather was against us, but it didnt ruin our day. It was an amazing experience and we will be back again for another visit.
Daniella
I do like Earl Grey tea in the afternoon. Indian tea first thing in the morning…
How wonderful it is to read your blog! I’ve read everything I can find about Highclere and WWI. Have you written anything about Highclere and WWII? I’d love to be able to see how the different generations have met the challenges of each generation.