
Thank you to everyone who came to Highclere on Sunday 3rd August. We have had such lovely e-mails, letters and reports from the charities of generosity from the guests who came.
It was the following day, August 4th, 100 years ago that we declared we were at war with Germany. The peacemakers of Europe had lost their battle and somehow thousands of similar men who might have played in concerts, travelled together and of course played football together were stuck in opposing trenches. The football match here was a draw and the footballers were excellent sports to play on an imperfect pitch. They were also very supportive of the whole idea, so thank you.
The photo of Highclere below was taken by my husband, as we too turned off all the lights on August 4th. He stood on the lawn whilst I climbed the Red Stairs in the Castle holding a storm lantern and wondering whether I would meet the odd ghost. It seemed a dark and shadowy world inside, but our predecessors must have lived in a world with more shadows just as I was in then. Looking out across the dark landscape from high up it still seems so beautiful. Opening the bedroom shutters here in the morning is still a privilege and peaceful. The soldiers who came back here from the trenches to heal and get better wrote in the letters of Highclere as a paradise.
Our last fund raising plan to mark the First World War is to auction ‘money cannot buy’ lots with the help of Christies. It is simply to see if we can raise a little bit more money to help those who are struggling to survive or seek medical care in war zones today and to help veteran charities.
www.christies.com/heroesathighclere
These are one off lots…fun and for good causes so please have a look and bid, see if you think it is a little bit of paradise.
It sure was a wonderful day on Sunday 3rd August it was so nice to meet people from around the world all coming to make the occasion. What a fitting tribute doing what you & your husband did on the 4th August after all Highclere Castle was in the front line receiving men from the war. I bet if the Castle could talk she would say “Thank You !”
I was in the Village of Cheriton in Hampshire at 22:00 on lights out & on the Village war memorial was a single candle in a jam jar it sure was very moving as I stood there alone in the dark paying my respects to the fallen. Your Photos are also very moving too with just that one storm lantern shining out. I take my hat off to you Lady Carnarvon climbing the Red Stairs in the Castle holding just storm lantern that was very brave of you , did you sing as you were going up I know I would have 🙂
I do not think you would have wanted to hear my singing!!!! I? just decided the ghosts must approve of what we were doing !!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon !
I haven’t been at your beautiful residence, but I’m sure I will someday,..perhaps in September if my wallet
allows it and if the mansion is open, of course..!
I enjoy your blog, and think it’s very professional.
I hope you will forgive me all the obvious grammatical mistakes, I’m from Amsterdam, Holland, and have never been in your country before.
Also I have never written or spoken to a real lady before, and am a little bit excited about that.
So, maybe until September this year,
Greetings from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Martin van Beek, 1960
Thank you so much for providing such an impressive range of opportunities to enjoy such a special, pleasurable day at Highclere Castle. There was something to satisfy everyone; from youngsters to the ‘more senior’, and all ages and interests in between. We arrived as the Red Devils descended so dramatically and departed after the trophy presentation to both team captains after an honourably drawn football match. It was our first occasion to visit your stunning home and grounds, having put it off for far too long – the Heroes at Highclere event provided us with the perfect motivation and incentive. I am now actively participating in the Christies ‘money cannot buy’ auction with fingers crossed! 🙂 Kindest regards to all those responsible for the splendid occasion that was 3rd August.
Thank you so much! It was a real team effort and I was truly moved by the different Ambassadors and people from countries around Europe and the wider globe who came often bearing presents.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You are a wonderful hostess and caretaker, of the Castle and all its’ environs and memories.
The sun shined on Highclere when you arrived to be the next LADY CARNARVON.
All the fundraisers and events you are behind along with your husband, make you a hero too.
May you both care for the people and animals that inhabit the current world of Downton,and Highclere, for a very long time to come.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I’m from Brazil and I’m in love with Highclere Castle, Downtow Abbey serie and your history….
Because of this I’ve decided to visit England in december for 10 days. But, I’m very sad because the castle will be closed. 🙁
This time will be de unique chance to visit the castle in my life. There is any chance to open the castle for visits this month?(end of december or beginning of january) or visit only the gardens…or anything…
it will be amazing…..
thanks!
Ana Dias
Several of my friends attended the event on 3rd August and I was so envious of their good fortune to get to visit your castle. (I live in America.) Thank you for celebrating the heroes!