June 2017 - Highclere Castle
Members of the Horndean & District U3A met for their regular monthly meeting on Friday 2nd June 2017 at Merchistoun Hall. They listened to a talk by Diana Mitchell about "Highclere Castle & the Downton Abbey connection".
Diana who is a guide at the Castle took Members through the history of the Carnarvon family and the transformation from a red brick Tudor house to a classical Georgian mansion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1838 the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon brought in Sir Charles Barry (who had designed the Houses of Parliament) to transform his home into a grand mansion which would impress the world. The 4th Earl did lots of travelling and was responsible for updating the interior of the Castle which was finally completed in 1878.
Almina, at just 19 married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Almina was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild who paid off the family's debt of £150k and bestowed a stupendous dowry on her in 1895. He was generous to them all of his life.
During the first world war, Almina transformed the Castle into a hospital and patients arrived from the trenches in September 1914. She became an adept nurse and a skilled healer and the hundreds of letters of thanks from patients and families show her untiring work and spirit of generosity.
Following the war the Castle returned to a private home and the 5th Earl who needed a warmer climate returned to Egypt. In 1922 the 5th Earl together with Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen. The 6th Earl was renowned for being risqué and is remembered for his appearance on Michael Parkinson's programme. He lived full time at the Castle and died in 1987. Following his death the Castle was opened to the public. The 7th Earl (Henry) was the Queen's racing manager. The current 8th Earl of Carnarvon (George) and his wife live partly at the castle and partly nearby and are both extremely involved with the day to day life and the future of Highclere.
The story of Downton Abbey, created by Julian Fellowes, starts at the time of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. He was much inspired by the life & times and the people of Highclere. It is placed in Yorkshire and follows the family of the Earl of Grantham. The series of Downton Abbey has brought in tourists from all over the world and has enabled many projects to be undertaken at Highclere and the gardens.
Prior to the film crew commencing a day's filming the staff receive a list of rooms needed and people required. Great care is taken to preserve the carpets from the crew's equipment by covering them. All the plants, photos and lamps are removed and they bring in their own. The crew work a 13 hour day for sometimes just 3-4 minutes in the can.
Apart from Maggie Smith who stays in a 5* hotel the rest of the crew stay in caravans on site. They provide their own catering for about 80 people who are fed incredibly well. Highclere Castle is extremely busy these days with tourists arriving by the coach loads and cars however there is always room for 'walk up' tickets (non booked).
Diana and her daughter have been extras for outside events as has her granddaughter for a micro second!
The Members thoroughly enjoyed Diana's interesting story about Highclere & the connection to the Downton series and asked many questions.
Diane Stoner
Speaker Coordinator