The earls of Carvarvon build Highclere House and live in the grand estate since their peerage was created, which was re-dubbed castle after splendid Neo-gothic remodeling by the architect of Westminster Parliament. The present earl and countess testify how real life there literally inspired the BBC series Downton Abbey about a fictitious aristocratic family, shot on location. Reality is even more impressive, as the lord who married a rich wife to avoid bankruptcy also funded the archaeological dig which unearthed Tutanchamon's fabulous treasure, some artifacts even remained on the castle. History forced huge transformations, due to war, expensive labor, rising taxes etcetera.
Secrets of the Manor House
See how life was - and is - lived in Highclere Castle.
