The Story Of… Highclere Castle in Newbury, UK

Exclusive Interview with Lady Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon
By Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house in Newbury, UK which became worldfamous as “Downton Abbey” in the hugely popular series and movies. The current owners are George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon and his wife Lady Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon. The castle has more than 250 rooms and a Capability Brown designed parkland. Visitors can choose from different tours throughout the year. Come and visit and walk down the grand old staircase like Lady Mary did on her wedding day, sit at Jackdaws Castle where Lady Edith so often found herself and take in the state dining room where many of the Dowager Countess’ wonderfully acerbic lines were delivered by Dame Maggie Smith.

KB: Describe to the RSR readers when and by who Highclere Castle was founded?

In 1677, Highclere Castle was purchased by Sir Robert Sawyer who was Attorney General to both Charles II and James II. Robert’s daughter Margaret married the 8th Earl of Pembroke and when Robert died in 1692, he bequeathed Highclere to her grandson, another Robert. Thus Highclere came into the Herbert family, the ancestors of the Earls of Carnarvon. At this time Highclere Place House was a double-fronted, Elizabethan brick mansion with a courtyard, stables garden and orchards. Sir Robert Sawyer had rebuilt the old Anglo-Saxon church, replacing it with a red brick church with a tower and creating additional vaults under the altar in which he wished to be interred on his death.

Robert Herbert took over Highclere in 1706 when he reached his majority whilst his elder brother became the next Earl of Pembroke and inherited Wilton, an important estate near Salisbury. It was this Robert who began to turn Highclere into the estate that can be seen today.

KB: How many rooms are there at the castle and what is the interior like?

There are over 250 rooms in the castle (you can get an idea by looking at the website)

KB: Do you have a favorite room and why this one?

I have so many favorite rooms in the house but I think because I love reading and books the library would definitely be up there in my top five. There are over five and a half thousand books in the library with some of them being very old, the oldest is from 1536.

KB: You have a new book out: “A Year At Highclere: Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey” where you describe the daily rhythms, seasonal changes and timeless traditions: Could you tell me a bit more about the book?

Built in a bygone era, Highclere Castle, and its surrounding five-thousand acre estate is a place steeped in history both within its walls and verdant landscapes. From the grandeur of Victorian architecture to the whispers of Anglo-Saxcon roots, the estate’s sweeping grounds encapsulate a rich British heritage. Lady Carnarvon shares tales of past residents, from Lady Almina’s legendary 1920s parties to the enigmatic ghosts that roam the halls of the castle.

With the passing months and seasons, Lady Carnarvon reveals what it truly means to live and work in this extraordinary home. From gardening , entertaining, exploring the outdoors with their eight dogs to opening the gates to a film crew – for many weeks and seasons – culminating in the latest Downton Abbey film. Highclere is where history, royalty, nature and community weave together – enchanting its residents staff and guests.

KB: How long did it take you to write the book?

The book took about a year to write.

KB: You have written other books as well about Highclere Castle: What is the best reason you can give to people to read your books?

My books cover many aspects of life at Highclere Castle, the two biographies about Lady Catherine and Lady Almina document the time of two countesses when they were here at Highclere Castle whilst “The Earl and the Pharaoh” is a book about the world famous discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and I’ve also written 3 books which cover entertaining, cooking and life in and around the estate.

KB: Highclere Castle has been made world famous as “Downton Abbey” in the series and films: How were you approached by the producer for this?

My husband Geordie and I have been friends with Julian and Emma Fellowes and when they came to lunch one weekend, he had already had the castle in mind as the location for “Downton Abbey”.

KB: In which other series and films has the castle appeared in?

It was in the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” and the TV series “Jeeves and Wooster”.

KB: Describe to the RSR readers what they can expect on a visit to Highclere Castle.

When you walk through the front door, you enter the saloon. If you take a left you walk into the library and then this leads into the music room which then leads into the drawing room, through to the Morning Room. From there the tour takes you upstairs and through the bedrooms before returning down the red stairs into the Dining room and then into the Egyptian exhibition.

KB: Why should people visit Highclere Castle?

It is one of the most famous houses in the world, designed by Sir Charles Barry at the same time as the Palace of Westminster and it sits beautifully within the Capability Brown designed parkland.

For more information check Highclere Castle’s website: HERE

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