I am writing this from my lovely bedroom at the Fairmont Royal York, Toronto where I am a guest of the Canadian Museum of History. I am here to give a series of lectures in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto which touch on, amongst other topics, Highclere Castle’s connection with the foundation of the modern State of Canada. It is tremendously exciting as I only really found out about this as I was researching the book “At Home at Highclere”.
George-Étienne Cartier
In the autumn of 1858, the 4th Earl of Carnarvon recorded a meeting with a number of leading Canadian politicians including Mr. Cartier (Attorney General and co-Prime Minister), Mr Galt (Chancellor of the Exchequer) and Mr Ross. Also at the meeting was Mr Tupper from Nova Scotia, Mr Smith and Mr Fisher from New Brunswick and a number of other gentlemen who had come to England to discuss primarily the Confederations of the North American Colonies, but also the intercolonial railway. Given that the Canada East Government was on the verge of dissolution and the Conservatives were themselves in a minority government in Britain, it was not, however, an opportune moment. These large schemes were too much for the times.
The North Library in Victorian times
However, all the delegates were invited to Highclere for a weekend of dinners and discussions – Lord Carnarvon noted that “they were agreeable and easily disposed to be pleased” and that the weekend was a great success.
There is no record of which bedroom they each stayed in but I can imagine Lord Carnarvon sending his carriage to collect them from Highclere railway station, the park and surrounding hillsides full of red tinted trees as they still are in the Autumn today. Met at the door by the staff and warmly greeted and welcomed by the then Lady Carnarvon, I am sure they would have found Highclere as fascinating as I hope it remains today.
Following a candlelit dinner, each guest would have found their bedroom warmed by a fire in the grates with thickly swagged curtains and carefully disposed furniture in which to rest and perhaps write letters or diaries at the desk. I still think one of the greatest gifts is a good night’s sleep, the ritual of settling down for the night, reading a book before falling asleep and extinguishing all the lights. If I am trying to persuade someone to come and stay I always say the best part is the cool quiet bedrooms which will ensure they sleep well as there are no TV’s nor Wi-Fi!
I do love breakfast …
In the morning, they would have been brought jugs of warm water to fill large china bowls in which to wash, whilst a footman opened the shutters. Through the windows are the distant hills towards Oxford, to the east and south follies frame the views just begging you to pause and admire them. Today of course we do have a selection of bathrooms…
Following an excellent breakfast, still one of my favourite times of day, undoubtedly Lord Carnarvon would have invited them to go for a walk. To walk and to talk, to listen and to understand.
In the autumn of 1866, the delegates returned to England and gathered together in London at a conference chaired by Lord Carnarvon, again accepting his invitation to go down to Highclere for the weekend. This time, they caught the tide of time and were able to carry through the creation of Canada.
An extraordinary time with men of intellect, purpose and compromise.
Instagram
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
GOOD LUCK WITH THIS SPEECHES.
Welcome to Canada Lady Carnarvon. Highclere is a wonderful place with so much history. I dream to go there one day. Safe travels. Terri Burton
May your speeches reflect the beauty and timelessness of Highclere.
Such a fascinating tidbit of major history.
Is it not? Amazing … Fascinating and pause for thought
Thank you Lady Carnarvon.
I am a Canadian resident and had the exciting occasion to visit Highclere Castle last week with my granddaughters. These girls live in England and I hope to visit the castle again one day on my next visit. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality. I actually have a picture of you and my granddaughters together! Thank you for coming to Canada to spread the message about Highclere castle to the Canadian people. God Bless you in your presentation. I live in Kingston, Ontario.
Thank you !
B
“Oh to be in England now that spring is here”. Thank you for the mini visit. Once again such beautiful photos. I look forward to our Monday’s with you.
Welcome to Canada Lady Carnarvon. The Royal York has so much history. Highclere is a wonderful place with so much history. I dream to go there one day. Safe travels.
Thank you
Could you please post your speaking schedule? Thank you!
I have been in Ottawa and Montreal. This evening I am speaking at the Royal Ontario Museum, in Toronto at 7pm
https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/entertaining-at-the-real-downton-abbey-canadians-at-highclere-castle
I just love hearing theses stories. Such a fascinating time! Good luck with your speeches.
Thank you
Lady Carnavon,
I hope you are able to get back to North America later this year. There is going to be an exhibit of Wendell family furniture which was in the Wendell family home in Portsmouth NH. I am sure you might find this interesting after writing the story of Lady Catherine and Downton Abbey!
Regards
Greg Brackett
My goodness that would be interesting !I would love to give some more talks later this year..
Welcome to Canada! It is so lovely hearing and learning more about the history of Highclere Castle. Looking forward to your lecture tonight in Toronto.
Thank you – I hope you enjoy it.
My dear Lady Carnarvon
I was surprised to read this morning that you are in Toronto staying at the beautiful Fairmont Royal York, my favourite Toronto hotel. Next Sunday, May 5th we are departing Toronto for a month long stay in England. On May 7th we will be visiting your beautiful home Highclere Castle. I was hoping to see you there, walking in your garden. I have just finished watching Downton Abby for the fifth time, and we are so looking forward to be there in person. Good luck with your Canadian tour. Enjoy every minute of our beautiful city.
I shall be back home at Highclere later this week and walking in the gardens is one of my favourite activities so our paths may well cross next week. I do hope you enjoy your visit to the UK, and especially Highclere.
History in the making…. inspirational. It also reminds us of the importance of the homes such as Highclere, where politicians could speak candidly, privately, and away from time restraints and outside political influences.
You are so right; to sit together at a table with fine food and wines and have a leisurely and courteous discussion is definitely the best way to find common ground and reach agreement.
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I am glad to see that you seem to enjoy your Canadian visit. I live in the Ottawa area and gave my dear aunt Ginette a gift because we enjoyed Downtown Abbey so much. So I offered her your book and sent her to the tea at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. She was very happy to hear and meet you, but…she was very disappointed with the Tea itself…food not up to standards, tea served too late and not hot enough, etc… I wanted to let you know that disappointment because it does not reflect the standards of quality that you convey. Thank you for listening to my comments. I wish you well. Diane Blanchet.
Wonderful story. I enjoy your writing style, Its so comforting, like we’re having a conversation.
Thank you
It is so nice to read anything and everything that is part of Highclere history.
Hello Lady Carnarvon,
While you are there, consider getting this as a memento of you trip.
Was going to e-mail this to you at Highclere.
It has been issued to mark the 30th Anniversary of one of the World’s Most Prestigious Silver Coins – The Canadian Maple Leaf.
This is the first ever BLACK Silver Proof Maple Leaf.
There has never been one like it before.
It has been struck from 2 ounces of 99.99% Silver and plated in rhodium to create the stunning black finish.
Strictly limited release
It is limited to just 4,000 pieces world-wide and very few of these will make it to the UK.
When I saw it, I just knew I had to secure some for CPM clients like you Mr Trangmar, before it was too late. I fully expect a sell-out on this, so I begged my contact at The Royal Canadian Mint to let me have 250.
I’ve got them now and can offer you one for just £195 (+p&p).
Click here for the first ever Black Proof 2oz Silver Maple Leaf.
From Coin Management Portfolio on Sunday.
Enjoy the break.
Thank you – how interesting!
Thank you for your delightful visit to Montreal. Your bilingual presentation was informative and done with such charm.
A tres bientot , Charlene Laprise
Merci beaucoup!
I’m sharing this wonderful “walk, talk, listen and understand” blog entry with all my Canadian friends in Ontario. We are on the 1 week count down to a much anticipated visit to your home on May 7. I purchased our tickets before we even made our flight reservations. Also – I’m wondering – have any piglets arrived yet?
Piglets are imminent! They will probably be here just in time for your arrival.
I’m sure the Canadians will find your presentation as fascinating as I did during the Texas Rose Festival a few years ago. I’m grateful for your “Historians Soul,” and that you are preserving the rich and colorful past of Highclere!
You are too kind
Enjoy your time in my beautiful homeland of Canada.
I love these stories as they help me to visualize the history rather than just be words on a page we read as children.
It is a wonderful country and I am enjoying my time here enormously.
Thank you for an amazing insight into this, but also from a personal point of view, I found your description of the welcome that visitors to Highclere received so fascinating as I am sure such a welcome has always been the case so my relative, Frederick Francis Greenwood, the editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, who was a regular visitor in mid Victorian times, was undoubtedly accorded the same hospitality. Lucky man ! I am particularly envious of the breakfast which I suspect would have been substantial thus needing a long walk or two to keep a trim waistline. I wonder if Frederick was involved in the talks which led to the creation of Canada. I do hope so.
Thank you
What a fascinating story, Lady Carnarvon. Best wishes to you as you speak in Toronto tonight. Hope the weather is nice!
Warm wishes,
Stacey Brown
The Woodlands, Texas
Thank you
It was lovely seeing you in Montreal. We really enjoyed your lecture and presentation. How great that you did half of it in French as well, and you have a lovely international accent! All the stories were wonderful, the Canadian connection, and the insights to Downtown Abbey filming at the castle. I loved hearing that you check and make sure all the filming equipment is unplugged at the end of each filming day and it makes so much sense to me to do that. I hope you enjoy our book, on the history of a small Canadian town “La Rein”. I forgot to mention that it is where Gerald was born and where the motivation came from to write it. Thank you again for a delightful Sunday afternoon. Gary
Thank you – you are very kind – I wish I could practice my french a little more!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
The history lesson is absolutely fascinating. You connect the dots for innovation, wisdom and compromise and add the beauty of the graciousness of Highclere to the picture.
I love reading your blog. Thank you!
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
How very interesting! And your gift with words and storytelling brings the story to life! Many thanks!
Lady Carnarvon, we so enjoyed your presentation in Ottawa yesterday and everyone was very appreciative of your visits to our individual tables to chat as well as the opportunity to give your personal touch to our copies of your wonderful book (one of many). Another example of how your research has created a sense of place and perspective for all of us. Safe travels back home and I love saying, “See you in September!”
Thank you for coming – an extraordinary space and full of life
Given Mr. Tupper was from Nova Scotia, I hope on a future visit to Canada, you pop down to Halifax. The Central Library is a world class library (both in terms of offerings and architecture) and would be a great place to do a lecture.
Thank you. I would love to explore more of Canada.
Good morning Lady Carnarvon,
In your picture of the north library, what are all the large books or albums under the desk? Where do you keep them now?
It’s just now 6:28 AM here in California. How is it already 2PM on Canada? Is there a different time zone north of USA borders? I don’t usually pay that much attention to time, but this time for some unknown reason, I did.
Your description of a day in the life of heads of state business didn’t strike me as the hurry scurrying of dignitaries, but one of reflection and calm contemplation. All thanks to the serenity of Highclere Castle and it’s staff and country views.
Thank you for sharing.
The books are now housed on shelves in the main library, smaller shelves having been removed to accommodate the large volumes. It is 2:35pm in Highclere which is the time my blog it set to!
While Canada doesn’t reach British time, there is an extra time zone (Atlantic) for at least Nova Scotia. Just one hour difference from Eastern, though.
These blogs are a wonder way to start the week, and thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for writing so well on so many topics. I remember being in Ontario during the Jubilee summer (1967), but never really learning the background to the formation of the Dominion of Canada and all the hard work it took.
How interesting and wonderful to be a guest at Highclere – sounds idyllic. The Royal York Hotel is rather special too. I used to live in Toronto and have many fond memories. Canadians are so polite and accommodating, enjoy your stay there!
It is quite wonderful – thank you.
Welcome to North America.
I’m down here on the gulf coast where it isn’t quite as cool. See you in England some day!
Enjoy yourself.
You must come and visit.
A statement sorely needed in these times “an extraordinary time with men of intellect, purpose and compromise.” I hold in high esteem your tenacity, focus, and skills in weaving together the stories in Highclere, both past and present that have created and are creating the ongoing mosaic of the lives of Highclere personages. The peerage system embodies tremendous responsibilities to traditions, and social well being, and only a few are up to the task. I do hope the Carnarvon’s value the gem in you.
I am sorry for your loss of the dowager Countess and look forward to the stories of her contributions to the legacy of Highclere. It is always sobering to realize the changed roles of those left behind, with the accompanying urgencies to fulfill historical obligations of theses times in which we find ourselves. Best.
Thank you
Welcome to our lovely country. Hope you’re enjoying your stay. Our two countries have such a wonderful bond.
You are absolutely right!
I love learning how Highclere and the generations of the Carnarvon family have woven themselves into the history of the world as you share these stories with us. I wish you a very enjoyable experience for the remainder of your trip, and safe travels home. Montreal is a favorite city of mine. It has such a European feel, and is hometown to one of my favorite entertainment experiences, Cirque du Soleil. The botanical gardens there are wonderful too! If you haven’t had a chance to visit, it is worth putting on your to-do when next you visit.
Have a wonderful day! Cheers from Summerville, South Carolina.
Natalie
Thank you
I adore how you immerse yourself in the time you were writing about. The old times come alive. Thank you for the beautiful glimpse into Highclere’s past.
Such fascinating historical details & how interwoven countries are throughout history I do enjoy your stories.
Thank you
Your writings and ideas always amaze me and love the way you imagine who was in what room and how to wind down from a day and get ready for sleep. Love your blog and look forward to reading it. Made my first trip to Great Britain last year and was near Highclere but someday would love to actually be there and do a tour. It’s on my bucket list. Enjoy your day.
You must come and visit Highclere!
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for a glimpse into Canadian History. We are not taught very much about this in U. S. schools. I will forward this to my Canadian cousins.
Good Morning Lady Carnarvon and welcome to Canada. Our son stays at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel when he comes from London, England on business. Then he comes to Hamilton to stay with us for the remainder of his visit to Canada which brings us great joy as we don’t get to see him too often. In June, we will be visiting our son and his new bride in Chessington, UK for the first time and also visiting your beautiful home on June 13th. I am unable to see you tonight in Toronto but I hope we will have the pleasure of meeting you in June. All the best with your lecture tonight!
~Cathy~
Thank you so much – I have very much enjoyed staying at all the Fairmont hotels…
Sounds amazing- good luck!
Dear Lady Carnarvon: Although I now live in Texas, I am from Montreal and I have family and friends in Toronto. In my mind, I can follow what you are saying about Canadian history, but I must confess that when I was in school in Canada, we learned a great deal more about British history than we ever did about Canadian history. I am certain that you speeches will go exceedingly well, and I bid you “Welcome” to my former home! Sincerely, Reisa Rogovein, Houston, Texas
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon, thank you for enriching our lives with such interesting stories about your family and your history. I so look forward to visiting Highclere Castle someday soon. Safe travels..
Much Aloha, Darlene Pahed
Thank you for another wonderful start to my week after such a terrible tragedy in Poway, CA, USA. Your efforts to educate and inform people of the history of Highclere and the ripple effect of a decision made by individuals are commendable. Plus, you insert the personal stories that draw us into the truly historic events of our world.
I echo the comments of others who feel your love for Highclere and the life of estate management. Good luck with the foaling, lambing, calving, and farrowing seasons. I remember those days so well and I’m sure your farm team is very busy.
Best wishes on your tour and returning home safely to sleep in your own bed. I know how precious that is.
Thank you
Any plans to come to Winnipeg??
Not at the moment, but who knows in the future what will happen.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
How wonderfully warm and inviting a good night’s sleep in Highclere sounds. You could well turn your hand most successfully to writing travel commentaries, should you ever get time from writing your novels and blog, not to mention your multitude of other activities – such as speaking in Canada.
Enjoy your stay at the Royal York. I have never had that pleasure but I have heard and read many wonderful accounts of the hotel and the service its staff provides to guests.
I understand the Royal York replaced the old Queen’s Hotel that was demolished in 1927. Just think; you are staying in what was the tallest building in the British Empire/Commonwealth at the time when it opened in 1929 – a mere 90 years ago!
You undoubtedly will be extremely busy with your present commitments, but as a fellow ‘tourist’, I can strongly recommend a short drive to visit beautiful “Niagara on the Lake”. I assume it is currently a bit too cold to embark on a pleasant evening cruise on Lake Ontario or to venture into the Falls on the Maid of the Mist.
If you do visit Niagara on the Lake, it is but a short further journey south to Niagara Falls which can be seen from one of the many viewing areas and/or better from above, by helicopter. The latter is breathtaking and will long remain as a very special lifetime experience. (I have caught the chopper from near Niagara Falls but I believe that if time is extremely limited, one can fly directly from Toronto to over the Falls and back.)
Yours faithfully,
Jeffery Sewell
Thank you. I don’t have a huge amount of time but I hope to take in some of the sights while I am here.
Lady Carnarvon,
What a singular and so deserved honor. I know your ancestors and those of your husband are smiling. Thank you for sharing.
Fascinating story of yet another piece of Highclere’s long interaction with the world. Enjoy your trip!
I am enjoying it although very conscious of the terrible flooding… just awful.
What a wonderful tidbit of Highclere history. No doubt your visit in Canada will be a great success. We are so looking forward to being at Highclere on May 27th! All the best to you.
Hello Lady Carnarvon, I look forward to seeing you tonight in Toronto at the Royal Ontario Museum. Your family has a unique and rich history within England and within the Royal family. I’m glad that you are on this speaking tour and that you are sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks,
Tara
Thank you very much
How lucky Canada is to have you there to share their history! I wish we had some of those extraordinary men in these times!!!
Hi Lady Carnarvon,
Gees I wish I had thought of asking you for the speeches schedule! I would have gone to listen to you while you were in Montreal!
Anyway, welcome to Canada, still chilly, but much better and probbly warmer in Toronto today.
I hope all goes well tonight!
Thanks for sharing history again in this post, I love it, be it with Canadian fellows or any other part of history from your family. Being a guest at Highclere at any time or century would be wonderful I am sure!!
Have a safe return home!
Salutations!
Chantal
Merci!
Lady Carnarvon
It was a pleasure to have met you yesterday in Montreal, and your talk was so very interesting and informative.
As promised I have contacted the various Liquor Boards to find out if and when they will be stalking the delicious sounding Highclere Gin.
Hope to see you back in Montreal ..or at Highclere Castle sometime soon..
Best regards,
Karen
Thank you Karen – very kind and when I am back I will catch up with the gin team to see where we are!
All I can say is welcome to Toronto!!! I wish I could attend your talk. Sorry it isn’t warmer for you but April is a fickle month and we can expect anything!
Love your story and pictures.
I am enjoying the contrasting cities
My Dear Lady Carnarvon, You have been in my thoughts ever since I learned of the death of the Dowager Lady Carnarvon. I understand the feeling of loss when someone who was such a huge part of your life is gone. It leaves a vacancy. I am hoping you will write about her in the future. I know she must have been a very interesting, special Lady. I love that she was from Wyoming. You have such a gift with words…you are a word architect! You paint a picture with words that make me want to read more and more.
I wanted to volunteer to ‘rough it’ if you ever feel the need to have house guests. You would not have to engage in a lot of convincing! We will happily give in to your need for company…just want to be accommodating if I can!!! It would be a sacrifice, but anything for you, Lady Carnarvon.
Thank you so much for starting the week out on a positive note. You never disappoint.
Kindest Regards,
Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
Thank you
I’m sorry, I forgot to ask a question. Could you post a picture of what the Castle/Trees look like now from the same vantage point as the black and white picture above? I would enjoy seeing the trees then and now…I have pictures of the Castle, but I’m not sure what direction I am facing in my pictures.
Thank you
Sue Smith
I will do when I am back home!
Dear Lady Carnavon,
Enjoy your time in Canada and best if luck with your speeches. Another interesting article and lovely photos. Would be wonf=derful if you could come to Buffalo, New York as it is only a 2 hour drive from Toronto. I live in Williamsville which is a suburb of Buffalo. We have many great resturants and wonderful music halls. My dream is to visit Highclere one day. Enjoy your time in Canada.
I was just hearing about Buffalo over lunch today and PBS..
Lady Canorvan,
Also lovely pictures.
And an interesting letter.
Thanks for sharing all.
Phyllis Simpson
Thank you
Lady Carnarvon,
Welcome to North America and more specifically, Canada. How I wish I could attend one of your lectures which I am sure will be as brilliant and interesting as your blogs. I loved the photos in this week’s blog especially of the sheep. It made me think of Sheep May Safely Graze by JS Bach.
Enjoy your time in Canada and safe travel home to Highclere.
Theresa
Yesterday I had a great visit to Montreal and the Pointe-à-Callière museum which was utterly fascinating and a passionate team sharing history.. today Toronto!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
In 1976 my husband and I traveled to Toronto on business and stayed in the Royal York. I still remember it as one of my very favorite hotels. Quietly elegant and very English. For a very young and impressionable Oklahoma girl who had not traveled extensively, I must say I was thrilled to be there. Since then we have traveled to Canada several times and always find the Canadians to be friendly and hospitable people. I’m sure your lectures have been widely attended and much appreciated.
I am still hoping to visit Highclere someday!
Paula
I hope you will visit !
Lady Carnarvon:
I had the chance to see you in Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of History this pass Saturday. I bought your book and lucky me you signed for me! Is such a beautiful book love it.
Welcome to Canada come back soon!
Very kind!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Have a wonderful time in Canada. I can see that Mondays are going to be extra special because of your blog entries. All your posts have been interesting and simply a joy to read. All the lovely photographs are my favorite. Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us. May you have safe travels on your way home.
All the best to you,
Mary Watkins
In West Memphis, Arkansas
It was a true delight to hear your presentation on Saturday in our Nation’s Capital. Such wonderful stories and a strong tie to Canada’s history. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
Thank you Janice
Lady Carnarvon thanks for the fascinating peek into history. I’m not sure if anybody else was struck by the striking, uncanny resemblance between Mr Cartier and another well known Canadian, Jordan Peterson?
Lady Carnarvon
Ce fut un grand plaisir de vous rencontrer samedi à Ottawa. Cette conférence était très intéressante et surtout très instructive. Nos deux pays partagent une très belle histoire.
Nous avons l’intention de visiter l’Angleterre l’année prochaine et nous avons bien sûr l’intention de visiter le château Highclere.
Bonne continuation et bon retour comme vous le dites si bien Home.
Vous êtes très gentil …j’espère que les eaux de crue commencent à diminuer
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Now there is something bright for so many of us to look forward to every Monday. Your blog posts are enlightening, inspiring, and funny. Oh, and the photos are beautiful! Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and experiences every week. Time is precious and I’m sure you have precious little of it with all your daily responsibilities. It means a lot that you would post something every week. Hoping the the lecture in Toronto went well and was fun. Safe travels back home!
Sincerely,
Mary Watkins
I hope it did….
Dear lady, you have had quite a fortnight. The online stories of Her Majesty the Queen’s attendance at your mother in law’s funeral were very heartwarming. I pray you rest well each night wherever you lay your head. Blessings.
Thank you for your kind thoughts
I would love to come visit Downton abbey next year, what is a good time to go to see the flowers and cherrie blossoms?
April and May would probably be the best months.
Lady Carnarvon,
it’s always a pleasure to read Your writings.
I met and started to love Highclere Castle thanks to “Downton Abbey”
I have a small library related only to Highclere Castle
I read more books about the Castle I visited on my birthday.
A wonderful and unforgettable gift for me!
it is a wonderful place, rich in history and culture
I hope we can return as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, I continue to dream by reading Your blog
Thank you – did I not sign a book for you last night?
no, Lady Carnarvon, I’m in Italy
I signed a book to a Stefania last night – it is a lovely and unusual name so I just wondered!
I do hope your speaking engagements were all that you wanted them to be.
I’m not sure if there would be time, but maybe on your next visit you could visit Ontario’s version of Downton Abbey; Dundurn Castle, Hamilton (just west of Toronto) which has a connection to the Duchess of Cornwall. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundurn_Castle
Thank you for the suggestion!
Lady Carnarvon,
Wonderful history and beautiful photography of an important time in history.
Thank you !
Violet Young
I focused on your breakfast photo. I have finally learned to make authentic British scones since I visited Highclere, and my favorite breakfast now includes scones with clotted cream. I enjoyed your blog!
Are you in Toronto for a few days after your talk or do you have to fly direct back to Highclere?
Sadly I am already heading back.
Most excellent recap of events, Lady Carnarvon, from an English descendant, now USA citizen, also named Fisher…. and, may I say, I totally agree with Ms. Young, after having cruised the World with Cunard on one of the last with the QE2, scones with clotted cream has become our breakfast favorite.
Frank Fisher
What a splendid idea!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
My good friend Paula (a beautiful English rose from Southampton) and I attended and thoroughly enjoyed your presentation at the ROM last evening. I loved it when you were asked about your favourite DTA actors and you joyfully answered Maggie Smith and your spectacular castle — best answer! A quick question dear lady — when you were entertaining us with your wonderful stories and discoveries, you made us giggle with a fun word, a play on multi-tasking (????tasking). We both wanted to remember this word but alas we have been unable to recall it. Please indulge us with a repeat of it. Many thanks for a very special evening. Delightful and so informative. A beautiful life being lived with such purpose. I hope you’ll return back to Canada. Who knew we have such a connection to the history of Highclere Castle. Warmest regards, Patricia Clift, Whitby Ontario
I can’t claim to be a multi-tasker, merely a multi-muddler!
Dear Lady Carnarvon, my tin foil hat is in place….my message to you did not go through, I am in Middle Europe and many messages do not post. Just to say that was fascinating about Canada.My father in law was Canadian from a family who went there in 1814. we had no idea of that bit of Canadian history.Thank you for a fascinating insight! Have a wonderful and safe trip.
Thank you – it is another fascinating chapter in the history of our two countries.
Lady Carnarvon –
My daughter and I were grateful to be able to attend your presentation at the ROM last night. We saw your blog in the afternoon, and embarked on a 5 hour road-trip to arrive just as you were being introduced! Thank you for signing our book, as well as the photo that we had taken in front of Highclere Castle last year, on June 19. I hope that you enjoy the “Canada – True North Strong and Free” key fob, commemorating Canada’s 150 (1867 – 2017), that we were able to give to you. A little piece of Canada to take back home to Highclere! I have enjoyed the books about the Countesses Almina and Catherine, and am looking forward to the book about the Christmas traditions at Highclere!
Thank you for a lovely evening,
Marcy Namespetra and Sara Namespetra
Thank you so much – I very much enjoyed the evening – it was a great crowd. Thank you for the key fob
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I wish I had known that you were coming to Toronto. I would have loved to hear more about that part of history, and have the opportunity to meet you. My daughter met you on a visit to the Castle in January of this year. Hope you had a great time in our wonderful cities.
Saw your presentation in Montreal last week. It was fascinating.
You were kind enough to stand for a photo with me. Thank you.
Love the apron you are wearing in your recipes section. Good luck with your future endeavours. I plan to check out the books.
Thank you – it was too brief a visit to your city!
Again I love the History Lesson. Thank you!
Thank you!
As a first generation Canadian, from an English father and Belgian mother, I just love the connection between Highclere and Canada. It is a beautiful Country full of very generous, loving people.
Thank you so much for continuing to weave Canadian memories into your Blog.
Barbara Dale
Kingston, Ontario
Canada
ps: I visited Highclere 2 years ago and found it fascinating! Thank you for sharing your home.
Hope you enjoyed Toronto! Fun fact: we have a cabin in the woods just outside of Carnarvon, Ontario which is about a two hour drive North of the city. Next time you’re in Canada drop us a line – you and yours are welcome anytime!
Chris.
I would love to return!
I’m so disappointed that I didn’t know you were coming to Canada! I would have loved to see your lecture . Will you be coming again in the future?
I would love to return! It was very short
Me as well, it would have been such an honour to have been able to meet them.
My family are a unreconized dna link to the family.
I hope one day to visit to be able to touch the walls, to walk the floors of that magnificent place, the history, the tradition it would be a dream come true.
The Lady and my mom are spitting image when she was young.
Grace and elegance is what lady is all about.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have only just discovered your blog, and was incredibly thrilled to see the RSVP from my ancestor, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, one of our Canadian Fathers of Confederation!! I do look forward to following your endeavors, and congratulate you on your writing style, it is ever so comfortable, like conversing with a “friend”.
Best wishes during this time of uncertainty,
Pamela Capes
Prince Edward Island, Canada
That is amazing and I was so ahppy to find his name
I would visit Highclere in a second! It looks so lovely and inviting. Thank you for your information regarding the connections to Canada. I grew up in Toronto and have visited the Royal York Hotel on a few occasions. Such a lovely hotel. I hope your tour went well!
I would love to come back!
Good morning Lady Carnarvon,
Highclere is so very lucky to have you – you have such a gift for words, and stories, and making everything so very interesting.
Cheers and safe travels home!
Joan Lerch
Webster Groves, MO
USA
Safe travel from everyone – we are just not moving – this is the time to be truly careful
Good day Lady Carnarvon,
I am doing research into the meaning of the name, “Dominion of Canada” and wondered if there was any information in Lord Carnarvon’s papers or letters that might shed light on the use of “dominion”. I have looked at Sir John A. Macdonald’s letters but found nothing. I am thinking Lord Carnarvon would have corresponded with other British officials and possibly even Queen Victoria on the matter of what to name the new country. Any information you could share would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Susan G. Cooper
Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Canada
[email protected]
It took some time to settle the name – Sir John A and oter founding fathers were keen on Kingdom of Canada – Lord Carnarvon was looking at the end of the US civiil war and thought with de Grey PPS to Queen Victoria that dominion was a more neutral noun.