Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey tells the story behind Highclere Castle, the setting for Julian Fellowes’s Emmy Award-winning PBS show Downton Abbey, and the life of one of its most famous inhabitants, Catherine Wendell. In this transporting companion piece to the New York Times bestseller Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, Catherine, a beautiful and spirited American … beautiful and spirited American woman who married Lady Almina’s son, the man who would become the 6th Earl of Carnarvon, presides over the grand estate during a tumultuous time for the British aristocracy. Following the First World War, many of the great houses of England faded as their owners fortunes declined in the new political and social world of the 1920s and 1930s. As war loomed, Highclere’s survival as the family home of the Carnarvons was again in the balance—as was peace between the nations of Europe.
Using copious materials — including diaries and scrapbooks — from the castle’s archives, the current Countess of Carnarvon brings alive a very modern story in a beautiful and fabled setting, paying particular attention to the staff who provide Highclere Castle with continuity between generations.
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I’m not interested in war history but the author, the current Countess of Carnarvon, began with the people and led you along the path that included their participation in the war. Her ability to bring the people and events to life is a very real talent. She keeps you engaged while spinning history lessons with personal perspectives.
This is a great book for fans of Downton Abbey. It tells the true story of the people that lived at Highclaire Castle. The story is told by a family member. It takes place over several decades and includes stories about English royalty and the upperclass as well as Americans that interact with the family.
Clear recounting of history and character s.
The lives of this family were interesting and real.
Really enjoyed reading about the family of Highclere Castle. Well written and informative.
I enjoyed learning more about the family & the history of the house that inspired Downton Abbey. I had forgotten about the connection of the house to the discovery of Tutankhamon’s tomb.
I read her previous book about Almina. This picks up where that left off…Easy to read writing and very entertaining and informative…Like a continuation of Downton Abbey
Very well written historical novel.
The story of a home, a family, and a time of English history.
It was the true story behind Downton Abbey. It had a lot of history about WW1 as well as the family, marriages, and home.
I wish the book hadn’t ended.
An interesting historical view of the “real” Downton Abbey owners and their period.
informative about an era of interest
Read the sample and enjoyed it. Hope it comes around on Bookbub again soon.
Truly reveals how wealthy women from America married in money strapped castle dwelling rich and/or royals in the years following WWII!
Being a Downton Abbey fan, I enjoyed the history and background of Highclere Castle. Interesting to see how characters of Downton Abbey were entwined with the authentic people that lived there during that period of history.
This is a well studied book. The reader is taken inside the way of life of British Aristocracy of the late 19th early to mid 20th century. The author also sheds light on the tow World Wars. Well worth reading.
It was fascinating to read about the life of the REAL occupants of Highclere castle. Lots of insight into the life of the 20’s and 30’s.
This book is the next generation at the estate. There are more up and downs. Very good writing and well researched. A pleasure to read.
Love this book. Great read.