
As September begins, there is not only a change in the temperature and the gardens but also within the castle. Summer public opening ends and the diary changes into guided tours so that whatever the weather, we can offer guests somewhere to park and comfortable shelter from the weather throughout their day here.
Part of the music of life is the variation in season and activity. It is stimulating, different and makes us look at things anew which helps us to be positive in both life and work. There is joy in each of the seasons. At this time of year it is the small observations of swelling red hips, the damp smell of a later dawn, the circling swifts as their time clock tells them it is time to travel south. The grass underfoot is less brown, the trees are well into their autumn programme and many of those here at Highclere will start to lose their leaves to conserve resources and present less substance in the face of winds and winter gales.
For the gardeners the coming weeks mark a time to cut and shape, to harvest and scarify the wild flower meadow, to collect and store, to plan for spring and to keep the pigeons off the kale and cabbage. It is busy
Despite our habit of putting it off, tidying up makes all of us feel good – even smug perhaps. I have been tidying up Orient, a room in which I was writing about the Earl and the Pharaoh and I do feel rather pleased with myself. It was such a huge task I had simply procrastinated, but with the help of a girlfriend, Smiles, and two long days, it is really much better and has a plan. Thank you Smiles.
The process of tidying up a book for publication is not brief and full of close reading but it has now left me and is being printed. Meanwhile, I am off to record the audio book this coming week which is another endeavour before I can tidy up the notes. I really enjoy listening to podcasts and audio books, particularly as I travel. Not that I do not also buy a book to hold and read, to turn the pages, which (in my eyes) is much better than looking at yet another screen. Of course in ancient times, all of us began by listening to stories, before more of us learnt to read and write.
Amazingly, the estate office team started clearing up the office. It is hugely better although we still always seem to need “stuff.” My desk is in that office is still not visible. I can see peoples’ faces as we try to have a meeting or find a chair to sit on. Or perhaps it is better just to stand….
John G, the castle manager, is renowned for his piles of paper surrounding his desk. Paper reused, all with notes and filed in careful piles. Nevertheless if we are trying to recall a meeting, John will set to work with tremendous enthusiasm and within a surprisingly short time the right piece of paper will emerge. I would not offer to help him tidy nor suggest he should.
Sally in the gift shop will also turn the shop around, bring in the new autumn stock, warmer scarves, Christmassy candles (more romantic dinners and less electric lights seem on the cards for all of us) and smaller gifts, trying to keep prices reasonable and the stock varied.
Simon on the farm is watching the weather as the fields begin to chit and he will soon be able to drill the autumn crops for which he needs a balance of dry weather and followed by a certain amount of rain. Like so many farmers we wish to grow carefully and well. We all need to eat and allocate our resources so hopefully we will have some spare to support those who have little or less.
As I walk round, I keep a running list, (which I also lose in my desk) noticing loose tiles on sheds and roofs, crumbling mortar in brick walls and pipes that look like they might spring a leak. It is a simple fact that whatever can be usefully tidied up and sorted now will almost certainly help us travel more easily through winter. “Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark”
I have enjoyed reading all of your blogs but since I was lucky enough to tour Highclere Castle 2 weeks ago all of your your words and observations have a more personal meaning. I can’t wait for the blog to arrive in my inbox. Best wishes to you from Florida!
You are very kind!
A friend helped me clear up my backyard, and, you’re right it does give a feeling of smugness. Thanks Don! The task was too big but not too much for you! And my yard is so tiny compared to Highclere!
Autumn is my favorite season, and I loved reading about the beginnings of it at Highclere. But even more: You give me inspiration and courage to clean my own office and masses of papers!
It is very therapeutic!
Happy tidying up, I don’t envy you. It’s a holiday over here, and it’s raining. Have a great day and don’t work to hard.
fondly Jenny
How lovely to hear all what’s happening at Highclere.
The grass was looking very dry in August when I visited. I’m coming again in April from Durham with a national holidays tour so hope to see how the Gardens look in spring.
The grass will be very green in April!!
Good morning from Canada
It is 9 am here on a wet drizzly humid morning. Your missive today is particularly timely as I am clearing out my furnace room which has become the place to put things when no other place was available! It does indeed feel good and gives the sense of something bring restored to order in the midst of external chaos….if only we could apply the same practice to our thoughts….sigh…something to work towards another day.
I enjoy your weekly writing immensely and look forward to your next book.
Thank you for being so generous of spirit in continuing to share your home with us. It does much to restore us.
Thank you!
I love your articles. Can’t wait to see your beautiful home on September 27th. We are finally celebrating our 40th anniversary trip (2020). Now 42nd anniversary! I hope to meet you if you pop in!
I look forward to meeting you on 27th
As always, a joyful read.
…“As I walk round, I keep a running list (which I also lose in my desk)….
So, it’s not just me?! How encouraging this was to read! Beautiful post, Lady Carnarvon, as always.
Hilarious!
Thanks for sharing and I feel a kinship since my home office is filled with piles of papers that I never seem to get to tidying up. Would do love to get to Highclere someday.
With love and admiration for all you do to preserve that wonderful estate from the US,
Kimberly
Lady Carnarvon lovely of tidyup did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice weekend l lovely to visit highcelere castle and fan of Downton abbey
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Good luck with the clean up and tidy.
In Australia, 31st August is regarded as the end of Winter, so any tidying up here at present is literally a “Spring clean”.
Your comment of “walking” whilst keeping a “running” list, gave me a good ‘chuckle’ at just how apparently conflicting/nonsensical (and yet wonderful) our English language can be. A bit like the doctor who said his patient was “born upside down” because his nose runs and his feet smell.
I look forward to reading your new book on the Earl and the Pharaoh. When is it likely to be published? It would be most appropriate to coincide with either 4th November or (probably even more appropriately) 26th November, to mark the centenary of two very important dates in history.
Regards,
Jeffery Sewell
My new book is released on October 27th 2022. I have attached the link to pre-order below
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earl-Pharaoh-Downton-Discovery-Tutankhamun/dp/0008531730
Is that where I can acquire a First Edition with a dedication signed by your good self as author?
Greetings again Lady Carnarvon,
I too always loved change of seasons especially winter to spring and summer to fall. Loved doing what is necessary to prepare gardens for season changes and of course interior of our home as kitchen & entry way decor is always seasonal and wreaths hanging on our entry doors. Staying organized is a means of my days and agree with your feeling of accomplishments once an organizing task is complete.
Best of luck with seasonal changes and preparations for winter.
Remain well.
Hello,
We love reading your blogs and look forward to your new book.
After reading this blog I must ask if you would be having any tours on the 18 of September. I have clients in London that would love to visit, but was told you close to the public on 02 September.
We hope to visit your beautiful home next year.
With warm regard,
Terry Shafer
My new book is released on 27th October 2022.
Sorry Public opening ends today!
While I haven’t finished the oil painting I’ve been working on all summer (a “forgery” after Caillebotte), I’m itching to reorganize my studio. It’s a ritual that, while always needed, never fails to give me a fresh outlook—though I try to preserve the advantage of north light. When my spouse asks what I’m doing, I reply I’m looking for more space! We are feeling the change of season only slightly here in the colonies, mainly in the earlier dusk and a little less humidity, but it’s most welcome! Autumn is my favorite season and I can only imagine how special it must be at Highclere. I hope to see you ere long!
Reading your letters takes me out of my busy life. I enjoy the respite you provide thank you. I long to visit as I rewatch DA all the time I’m a huge fan of the series and also the glimpse you give us into present day reality. Someday I will get there.
I hope so!
Hello Lady Carnarvon!
Your blog today really hits home. I am clearing out my home of 27 years in preparation to move. It’s time to de-clutter and downsize. But what a daunting task! The autumn is my favorite season as we head in to cooler weather, football ( Go Eagles! ) and then the holidays.
I’m with you, I like reading an actual book, not scrolling a screen. And I’m looking forward to your next book! Wonderful!
Books are my preference!
Please pre-order my new book from: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earl-Pharaoh-Downton-Discovery-Tutankhamun/dp/0008531730
Oh thank you so much for including that photo of you office! As an author, the chaos is inevitable but then…it comes together. I am writing another now.
Labor Day here in US so heading out to use battery-operated hedge clippers to clear spent wildflowers. Leaving native plant seeds for the birds though!
Congratulations on your new book! Will be there and secured tickets in May!
Oh thank you so much for including that photo of your office! As an author, the chaos is inevitable but then…it comes together. I am writing another now.
Labor Day here in US so will be heading out to use battery-operated hedge clippers to clear spent wildflowers. Leaving native plant seeds for the birds though!
Congratulations on your new book! Will be there and secured tickets in May!
Thank you!
I look forward to meeting you in May 2023
Lady Carnarvon, doing a tidy up of the house and yard makes me feel great. Everything looks so much better. I feel that I have accomplished something. So looking forward to your new book. Cheryl.
Thank you so much for sharing. I especially enjoyed the office photo because it makes me realize I am not alone in the world trying to fight back the debris. My kitchen table doubles as an office, simply because that is where we land most of the time, and so does our stuff. Wish your team could visit my house in America, because we could sure use help in the straightening and getting rid of stuff department as well, not to mention the sad little gardens around my house. It does come down, to good intentions and not enough time when one has a lot going on. Glad to see I am in good company. I am guessing fall at the Castle is spectacular.
I adore all the seasons of the year for different reasons!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You are so right and what a beautiful way to understand the season’s change.
Trees “lose their leaves to conserve resources and present less substance in the face of winds and winter gales.”
Neither death and dying, nor loss, and not barren and lifeless, but full of potential, new life, and energy marvelously conserved. Thank you. Perspective is so very important.
They are so much better at planning than we are!
Congratulations on the powerful final quote of your post ! This sentence, written by Howard Ruff author of financial planning books, reminds us of Baden-Powell’s motto “Be prepared”, which means you are always to be in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty. Lady Mary states this sentence is Mr Carson’s motto ,even though Lady Violet underlines that Baden-Powell has stolen it from Carson ( Series 3 Episode 1)… In conclusion, be prepared! Have a powerful week!
Lady Carnarvon, tidying up at Higchlere is a monumental task I’m sure. However, I know you have a wonderful group of people all willing to take on these tasks. I am very excited for you that you have completed your book and I look forward to reading it. I wonder what your next will be?
Enjoy the week,
Pam
Crikey – just getting through this one!!!!
Lady Carnarvon,
Forgive my ignorance, perhaps, but I was interested in the “syrup” bottle in one of the pictures. I couldn’t quite read the label. What is it?
Rose Hip syrup – the recipe is in the seasons book – it has so much vitamin c – helpful in winter
Today we are visiting Highclere Castle. This has been a lovely day to see your wonderful home, Egyptian exhibit and gardens of Highclere. When we travel, we love to learn the history of the surroundings we visit and to feel we are in the presence of beauty and grace. Highclere gave us all of this! Thank you for a great day. Keep up the wonderful stories in your blog. We learn so much!
Karen and Mike Sirman
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
thank you so much!
Today we are visiting Highclere Castle. This has been a lovely day to see your wonderful home, Egyptian exhibit and gardens of Highclere. When we travel, we love to learn the history of the surroundings we visit and to feel we are in the presence of beauty and grace. Highclere gave us all of this! Thank you for a great day. Keep up the wonderful stories in your blog. We learn so much!
Karen and Mike
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lady Canarvon,
Has there been any talk about a book about the servants of the castle? They were such a big part of Downton Abbey.
they play a part in the two books I wrote “Lady Almina” and “Lady Catherine”
SO glad to read that you are as messy as most of us ! I am determined to have a tidy house (by Christmas ?!) …. with all the scattered books back on the shelves, papers and letters filed away neatly, and a pristine home again. Living by myself its so easy to live in chaos ….
I found my sewing machine under a pile of papers the other day, and a sewing machine isn’t exactly small !
That makes me feel better!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I don’t think you can beat a good tidy up, I agree that it makes you feel so much better, I think the hardest part especially when doing something in the house is getting started, I love to get out in the garden, and enjoy this time of year.
Kind regards
Lorraine xx
Yes – I choose the garden first!!
Good evening from Nashville, TN! I have recently started listening to quite a few audiobooks as well. I listen to them while driving, working in my yard, or laying in my pool. I look forward to hearing anything you narrate in the future!! I love organizing and tidying. It gives me a feeling of control and order, and when I am done I get a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. There is a store here in the states called The Container Store. They carry every conceivable item that you might need to organize anything in your home, office, garage, kitchen, bathroom, closets, etc. Needless to say, it’s probably my favorite place to shop.
Amazing shop!
Dear Lady Carnavan,
I love to read updates that you post. The Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I can just envision the beauty there at Highclere Castle as the summer days evolve slowly towards the Autumn Spendor.
I also know the amount of work involved in tidying up the gardens for the approaching seasons. And of course the mounds of paperwork in the office that have been a part of my adult life. Since visiting Highclere Castle several times over the years, it has been a comfort in its’ odd way that when I feel overwhelmed with the loads of work in tidying the gardens and office, that I am not alone but rather in good company knowing out there you are all doing the same. Same work different scale.
I am thrilled to know that your book will be available in October. I have noted this in my calendar as a reminder. And as always.. I look forward to it.
See you in 2023.
Kind Regards.
Julie Ingle
Available through Amazon to pre-order
Living in Hawaii we do not have much to change during the year since it’s pretty much the same all year. But the sense of renewal and change are things to look forward to sometimes. ‘Spring cleaning’ is the biggest thing for us.
I hope to get a copy of your new book before I leave for my Pharaohs & Pyramids cruise. Reading it aboard the Osiris will be a great read! But even if it’s after the cruise, I can picture in my mind all that I’ve seen on and off the ship. I’m looking forward to seeing the pictures given to the Osiris by Lord Carnarvon. I wish I could have been there to hear your talk on the new book.
Enjoy your cruise on Osiris
Merci, après vous avoir lue je me sens maintenant plus motivée pour aller ranger mon bureau…et peut-être aussi ma salle de couture.
Pourquoi vos livres ne sont-ils pas traduits en français ? Comprendre le language est plus facile que lire dans une langue étrangère. Highclere est maintenant célèbre dans le monde entier grace à la série Downton Abbey, donc je pense que je ne serais pas la seule à aimer vous lire.
Très bonne semaine, cordialement.
Françoise.
Good Morning from Northern Ontario!
I’ve recently completed two of your books on Lady Almina and Lady Catherine. I was impressed how didn’t sugar coat their true stories on how their lives were not the stuff fairytales are made of. Although they didn’t suffer to way many commoners would have, their travails were no less painful.
As the child of Maltese immigrants – my parents lived through WWll and the intense bombing of their beloved homeland- our family has always held a great deal of respect for the monarchy. So, as an avid Downton Abbey fan and having a greater understanding of Highclere’s role during the great wars, I’m looking forward to visiting your ‘home’ next year. A dear friend is turning 65 and wants to celebrate by visiting Highclere.
Thanks for sharing your story and home!
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for your Monday blog.
I am curious about the picture showing the red tumbler. Is it from the 1920’s? Interestingly, my mother had a similar glass, which was part of a morning juice set.
I now am in possession of the same and have it on display in my dining room china cabinet.
Just a note, in the United States, we celebrated the Labor Day Holiday Weekend (09/02/22 to 09/05/22), which generally marks the unofficial “end of Summer”.
As you and your support staff at Highclere Castle were busy cleaning things up and reorganizing for the Fall/Winter Season, I was busy participating in the Michigan State Fair as both a Home Arts Exhibitor and as a Volunteer.
I wish you success with your upcoming Book release next month. Also, I wish you continued success with your Podcasts.
Until next week, keep on tidying up.
Perpetua Crawford
Thank you
It is a dream of mine to visit Highclere Castle. I love reading your blog; and like you, I am organizing and sorting! Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us!
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
GOOD MORNING FROM BRAZIL , RAINNY DAY.
HOJE, 7 DE SETEMBRO DE 2022, MINHA PATRIA AMADA, O BRASIL, COMPLETA 200 ANOS DE INDEPENDENCIA DE PORTUGAL, PORTANTO ESTAMOS EM FESTA NO DIA DE HOJE.
E COMO MILADY ESCREVEU ,TAMBÉM ESTAMOS ” ARRUMANDO A NOSSA NAÇÃO “, QUE É UM PAÍS MUITO NOVO. ENTÃO PARABÉNS ,PARA A MINHA PÁTRIA AMADA E IDOLATRADA ,O BRASIL
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRASIL.
Lady Carnarvon,
So happy that autumn is almost here. When September arrives I feel the fresher air breeze. Here in Florida the heat has been intense. We wonder if we can start walking again after so many life changing events. Much blessings to you and your team.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Heartfelt prayers and thoughts of love and well wishes for a smooth recovery for Queen Elizabth II.
What an amazing modern monarch and important world leader Queen Elizabeth is.
Beloved to her people and much admired and loved by countless people around the world.
People all over the world are thinking of her and praying for her and feeling love for our dear friends in the English Commonwealth. A moment of clarity and unity and love right now.
Thinking of you and yours…
With love and sincerity,
Charles & Elizabeth DeAinza
What a chore list! And here I was complaining the other day that we needed to trim some of our trees branches before winter. We will be visiting England for the first time ever April 22nd-24th before making our way to Italy for our honeymoon. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Highclere will be receiving visitors that weekend. I bet everything outside is just so green and full of life in spring! Thank you for the blog update!
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
GOOD EVENING FROM BRAZIL
MILADY, MY TEARS FOR YOUR QUEEN ELIZABETH .SO SAD. GREAT QUEEN FOR ENGLAND .