The real-life inspiration and setting for the Emmy Award-winning Downton Abbey, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey tells the story behind Highclere Castle and the life of one of its most famous inhabitants, Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon.Drawing on a rich store of materials from the archives of Highclere Castle, including diaries, letters, and photographs, the current Lady … photographs, the current Lady Carnarvon has written a transporting story of this fabled home on the brink of war. Much like her Masterpiece Classic counterpart, Lady Cora Crawley, Lady Almina was the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, Alfred de Rothschild, who married his daughter off at a young age, her dowry serving as the crucial link in the effort to preserve the Earl of Carnarvon’s ancestral home. Throwing open the doors of Highclere Castle to tend to the wounded of World War I, Lady Almina distinguished herself as a brave and remarkable woman.
This rich tale contrasts the splendor of Edwardian life in a great house against the backdrop of the First World War and offers an inspiring and revealing picture of the woman at the center of the history of Highclere Castle.
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Written by the current Lady Carnarvon about one of her predecessors, Almina Carnarvon, who was the lady of the house during the time period that the fictional Downton Abbey takes place. Almina was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred Rothschild, who gave her full access to his not inconsiderable fortune. She spent money on a scale that is …
This book is about the real people of Downton Abbey. A great read for people that love the television series.
THIS READ LIKE SOMEONE’S THESIS. COULDN’T FOLLOW THE JUMPS. DO NOT RECOMMEND
Very interesting to read about this woman and her life and how she lived.
I love reading about history, real people, real places. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, it’s a must read.
Interesting but not engaging. Did learn things that came to memory when I visited Downton Abbey.
It was just fun to read the background of Downton Abbey and learn the connection with King Tut!!
Having watched the entire series of Downton Abbey it was really awesome to read the book that it was based off of. I loved every moment of it. The actual people that it stems from, came alive to me. The differences stood out greatly, as did the similarities at times. I honestly was saddened when the book came to an end, as I got completely sucked …
I great historically accurate look into the lives of the elite of Britain. It will surprise you to learn what was and was not acceptable.
What a remarkable woman, living in a remarkable time period. Good biography.
Again historical linked to Downtown Abby.
You really feel like you’re experiencing the time period. Very enjoyable.
More about war than I expected.
Not what I thought it would be. Some interesting parts.
Love the inspiration for Downton Abbey
Really makes the time period come alive!