The Real Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle

For all the Downton Abbey fans out there (and who isn’t?)…I found a book that will help tide you over until the series resumes (or at least until The Royal Baby arrives!)

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey is the true story of Almina, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, Alfred de Rothschild who married the Earl of Carnarvon and lived in Highclere Castle-his ancestral home.  Their family is the the inspiration for Julian Fellowe’s Downton Abbey series.  Lady Almina was a remarkable woman and her story is fascinating…The Earl is famous for his travels and exploration of Egypt–and for finding King Tut’s tomb.   While the photos aren’t as satisfying as the movie settings and costumes, the real Lady and Earl are far more interesting than their fictional counterparts.  A must read for summer!

PS…I predict the Royal Baby will be a girl named Charlotte...

PSS...Downton Abbey doesn’t return until January 5, 2014!

12 responses to “The Real Downton Abbey”

  1. Lori, thank you for the book idea, will get one for myself and my sister, we both enjoyed that series. My sister and I had realized one day that if it was that time now, she would work in the kitchen, she loves to bake, and I would do the sewing, lol.
    Ok, as for the prediction of the birth, I will say a boy and he will be named David. And now we wait!

      1. NO idea! This is not a topic of conversation in France!

        Thinking it over, I would like a baby girl. Diana may be too difficult for her, what is your opinion ? Or Victoria (from the old make it new, just like recycling fabrics into patchwork!)

  3. There is also a sequel for this book which will be available Oct 2013. It is a fabulous book.

  4. Ah..the dreaded WAIT! its the worst thing about finding a series I love! The season FLIES by..and then the WAIT. S I G H. I am filling my time with Endeavour (prequel to Inspector Morse), Castle reruns, baseball games…oh..and getting my house ready for a WEDDING! Top of my list for the day AFTER the wedding? doing a sampler piece of all your motifs. Now THAT sound FUN!! I think girl…no clue on the name…

  5. I will definitely look into this book. PBS is running a series on the great houses of England and Highclere is one of the episodes. Regarding royal baby… Edward George if a boy and Victoria Diana if a girl.
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

  6. I’m really out of it. My news of the royal birth comes from brief glimpses of tabloids at the grocery store. I thought it was already determined that it would be a girl months ago. Shows what I know. I enjoy Downton Abbey also, but don’t like it when main characters die! I prefer happy families and happy endings I guess.

  7. Thanks for this information. I just found it on my library network for borrowing ebooks! Perfect for summer. As for the Royal Baby…I think it will be a girl, named Diana for at least one name, and possibly Carlotta for another.

  8. My library has the eBook also but it is checked out. It is on my wish list for now. I love your blog. Thank you.

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