The First World War brought an abrupt shift for English society, and for Highclere, in a transition that closely echoes the plot of the Downton series; having been a buzzing social hub throughout the Edwardian period, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon subsequently turned the Castle into a hospital, and even worked there as a nurse herself.
It became a private home once more after the war and gained another claim to fame when the 5th Earl of Carnarvon – a keen Egyptologist – discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun with archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. The expedition may have brought the Earl acclaim and glory, but legend has it that it also came with a curse; having disturbed the rest of Egypt’s Boy Pharaoh, the Earl himself was dead within a year, after suffering a mosquito bite which became infected by a razor cut. He left behind an extensive collection of Egyptian artefacts, many of which remain on display in the house, and can be viewed by the public in its Egyptian Exhibition.
Highclere Castle Drawing RoomShutterstock
The Castle subsequently played host to evacuee children during the Second World War. Under the guardianship of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon today the house acts partly as a private home, as well as being open to the public, playing host to events and functions and being used as a film and television location, including for The Secret Garden film, the Jeeves and Wooster television series, and – of course – Downton Abbey.
Visitors to the Castle are spoilt for choice during its summer opening season; there’s the Egyptian exhibition (housed in what were once the staff dining room and scullery), state rooms, castle garden and woodlands, and parklands complete with picturesque follies. Highclere also runs special events; Downton enthusiasts can look forward to ‘Real Lives and Film-sets’ tours and a ‘Castle Tours, Costumes & Cocktails’ weekend on offer this September. For the superfans, the public can rent one of two recently restored lodge houses for a stay on the Highclere estate, book a private tour, or even have their wedding at the Castle – because who wouldn’t want to channel the glamorous Lady Mary on their big day?
