I have just returned from Texas, a world away from Highclere but where I was met with such warm greetings from those who love Highclere (and Downton) that I immediately felt at home. My first port of call was Houston; 95˚C and not a cloud in sight. I was very fortunate to be invited to meet President George H. Bush and Mrs Barbara Bush at their home. There were some similarities in that Mrs Bush was about to mend a leaky roof and was most concerned and sympathetic about the extent of our leaky roofs! She also loves dogs but has not got quite as many as I do which is definitely more manageable. It was a great morning and an honour to meet them.
Thereafter we went to an extraordinary church, St Martin’s Episcopal. Architecturally, it has an amazing, gothic inspired, sense of space and peace inside and the details in the woodwork and alcoves are not dissimilar to Highclere. What makes it exceptional is the community programmes and energy created by Rev Dr. Russell Levenson, his wife Laura and all their team. Through a friendship with the Bishop of Texas, I was giving a talk to over 1,000 members of the congregation and friends following a delicious dinner in a Houston hotel. It was a lovely evening, full of anecdotes and I hope entertaining.
I then flew to the Rose Festival at Tyler, a much better plan than to drive given the size of the State of Texas. Apparently it would take me over 17 hours to drive across the entire State, Tyler is not in fact that far, but I was very grateful for the plane.
Tyler, which is near Dallas, prides itself on being the rose capital of the State. As in Houston, I received a warm and generous Texan welcome full of laughter and enthusiasm. It was a busy few days with book signings, teas, receptions and a talk which I hope amused the guests. Furthermore, I love roses so it was interesting to see how they cope with the hotter, drier Texan climate. The rose arbour here at Highclere will, I hope, be sufficiently advanced to share with visitors next summer, whilst one of my most relaxing moments in the summer is to pick the great old fashioned roses from the Rose House to arrange inside the Castle.
Reading Tyler, I realised the town was named after President Tyler who succeeded President Harrison. I had just found an invitation to the White House from President Harrison in the archives here at the Castle.
Thank you to you all for your kindness to me!
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thrilled that you were warmly welcomed in our country. last year when i visited Highclere, i also was greeted warmly by the people helping out there– docents, bookshop and of course, the butler/ticket-taker… we also enjoyed ‘richie’, the local Newbury taxi driver, who pointed out all the important and celebrity sites along the way to Highclere. Hope to be back again someday.
So happy to learn you enjoyed yourself in Texas, a truly lovely and hospitable state. After the wonderful luncheon Perry and I had with you and Lord Carnarvon this past July, we can firmly assure you that you thrilled and entertained everyone you addressed!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I’m so happy you enjoyed visiting one of my favorite presidents and his wife, Barbara. They really are the face of true Americans and really nice folks, as well. I’m sure the heat was stifling compared to Highclere in October. I live in Orlando, Florida and we are just now getting a break from 90+ degree days. Roses are a challenge for us, but some of the newer Knockout Roses make it much easier for we amateurs.
I hope to someday visit Highclere with my husband and would love to know what month would be best? Our London pal said Americans are better suited for September since it’s cool, but not cold and crowds have tapered off. I’d love to know your favorite month to stroll about the grounds.
I wish you and your family well.
Peggy Helbling
It really was a great pleasure to meet the President and his wife and I have made a few friends in Houston now to visit for tea! It immediately makes a city fun. PS I went to Florida last March and it rained!!
When to visit Highclere? I love Highclere through the seasons – May can be lovely with early flowers and the promise of so much to come…quite a few Americans travel in July and August because it is not nearly as hot here as in parts of your country and is thus very pleasant. Equally early September can be lovely. You just have to start somewhere….
Peggy, England can be nice all Spring and Summer. I have been there during at least part of every season; it typically does not get as hot as it does here in the US, but I did experience a heat wave one August several years back. Watch the opening times of Highclere; they do not have regular hours except May-September, and tickets sell out quickly. I had the pleasure and good fortune of being able to get walk-up tickets on a damp, chilly, rainy day this past August. Enjoyed it immensely despite the weather, but I probably would not have been able to get in had it been a beautiful day. Just plan well in advance.
Peggy,
My wife and I drove to Highclere from London in July. The weather was delightful, about what we have in Florida in November or February. You will not be disappointed.
British Airways flies non-stop from Tampa to Gatwick several times a week and I suspect they offer the same service from Orlando.
I was one of the guests at the wonderful dinner at St Martin’s….and you gave such an informative and lovely talk on your beautiful home. It is wonderful you are preserving all the historical information and history of your home and family… Our church is lovely and so thrilled you came to visit.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some day a book will be written about You, and your diligence and determination to preserve the history of your incredible home.
I love England, and hope to return in the future to see Highclere in person!
Take care of those precious dogs, too!!
I’m sure the heat was quite a shock. I am from northern Texas west of Dallas/Fort Worth and normally the heat doesn’t hang on this long. It is just shifting into a Fall pattern the last week. I have visited London, but only in March during spring breaks. I did not get the opportunity to visit the countryside unfortunately. It was fairly cold to me during those visits and even the people there said that it was unusually cold. I have also heard September/October is a nice time to visit England.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am so glad that you had an enjoyable visit here in the states, and I am sure that everyone enjoyed your visit as well! I am so glad I came upon your blog since it is such a great way to keep posted on all the interesting things involving you and your great home! I was lucky enough to visit Highclere this past summer, and anticipate coming back again soon. Until then, I’ll enjoy your blog!
Dear Lady Carnarvon
We are so excited about your planned festivities for the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown. You mentioned it when you were in Omaha last year. We would love to attend and need dates information please. My partner is a landscape architect and admires Brown’s work.
Glad you liked Texas I did have an old house there neat Houston some years ago
Thanks for your blog
Bruce
Peggy, Check bus tours. I like being the passenger and just look out the window. My English cousin booked for us both to go. I enjoyed Highclere Castle. I have a picture of myself under a his tic tree. This tree is shown on Downton Abbey. I enjoyed the castle!
I imagine it is the cedar tree?? It is about 250 years old, in fact I think I have a photo of it in 1856.
Once again, it appears your recent visit to the USA has been a positive.
Some are still mourning the fact our fair city of Gainesville, Georgia USA was unable to move forward with plans to entertain you and support a Lady Carnarvon event in May 2016. It is our loss. Perhaps, at some point in the future, plans will be revived with greater success.
Thank you for keeping us aware of your visits to other locales. Being a Good Will Ambassador is definitely your calling.
I really hope I can visit too – I know some more visits to the US are in the planning stage.
Lady Carnarvon
So pleased to hear you enjoyed your time in the US and meeting the Bush’s. I’m sure they were great hosts. Please plan a trip to Philadelphia, PA at some point. My husband and I are looking forward to meeting you this coming We’d. Oct 28th. Thank you for opening up your time to speak with us about Highclere and Diwnton. We look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
James and Kathy Derleth
Dear Lady Carnarvon
After reading your last blog and seeing that beautiful vase of roses makes me look forward to my visit to Highclere next May even more. I hope the roses will be in bloom.
i enjoy all your stories and I will look forward to seeing Highclere next year.
With kind regards
Trish
Dear Lady Carnarvan
I’m glad you had a nice time in Texas. Hope someday you will visit the East coast!
Lady Carnarvon, we loved hearing your talk in Tyler, Texas. You were absolutely delightful. In my World History classes, I taught each year about Lord Carnarvon and the King Tut discovery.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed another Texas visit.
We are a friendly people indeed!
We are counting on you returning.
The Welcome Mat is always out!
Carol & Tom
We were so happy to hear you speak at the ladies’ luncheon in Tyler. Can’t wait to start reading Lady Almina!
The floral arrangement is absolutely stunning. Did you do it?
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
My family (3 generations) had the great joy to visit Highclere this summer from San Diego. Please let us know if you come to California as we would love to arrange an event for you in San Diego as there are many Downtown Abbey fans and English enthusiasts here. I know you would be royally received. We have a children’s charity and would love to arrange this as a fundraiser for our charity. Please let us know your thoughts. (www.passion4kids.org) Many thanks for your kindness, Linda
95 degrees Celsius? That is hot, even for Texas.
Glad you had a good time in the US!
Those roses are breathtaking! What a complete delight to pick roses so pretty. It appears you have a talent for arranging them too.
Glad Texas was great to you, I loved my visit there last year! The people are wonderful. But those roses have captured my attention.
Just came across this blog I really like it! Looking forward reading more of your adventrous chronicles.
Warm Regards
Annameka
Hello your Grace
Perhaps just change the degree sign to an F rather than C.
Regards
Travis
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Tyler, Texas was most honored to have you in our fair city.
We are still talking about the wonderful presentation you made at the luncheon.
The Texas Rose Festival thanks you!
Cathy and Hal
How thrilled I am to read this given six of us made the pilgrimage to Highclere in September to see the sight of our favorite television show, Downton Abbey. Several of our crew were early and had a chance to meet you on your horse; they were friends from Boston that we met 30 years ago while in graduate school at Harvard. Your taxi drivers are very proud of Highclere. Mine played Pomp And Circumstance loudly as we drove up to the castle. I am the lone Texan in the group so I am pleased that hospitality was shown to you while in our state.
Is your yellow lab, pictured with the roses, bred from one of Rupert Hill’s gun dogs (Carling) near Tavistock? He looks remarkably like he was.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I hope your visit to Texas and my hometown of Houston was enjoyable despite the weather. Which was warm even for us.
I saw your interview on Houston PBS and learned more about the castle and the family. It was quite a good interview
Blessings for a wonderful 2016 to you and your family.
Below youll obtain the link to some web pages that we think it is best to visit.