Downton Abbey

Today was my much anticipated trip to Highclere Castle where the PBS series is filmed.  For those of you who aren't hooked, you can skip this entry OR decide to join the fans.  Luckily I found the Brit Movie Tours Company that took me from a London tube stop to Bampton and Highclere.  There were 23 of us with a knowledgeable guide and expert driver.  So very glad I didn't try this solo. They picked us up at 9AM and returned us at 5:30PM. Truly it was a delightful day. Our first stop was Bampton, a sleepy village where the film company uses the church (Bates and Anna), cemetery(funerals), a small green (fair, driving lessons) and the library (hospital enterance). There were pictures showing the places before and after. Actually very little needed to be done to transform these areas back to the 1900's.

The Crawley House is shown here. The inside of the house is only used occasionally as most of the scenes are done in the studio. This circular bow window can be seen in many episodes. The home belongs to Mrs. Harris who waved to us from her upstairs window.  Lovely home with a flower-filled courtyard in front.  The home is adjacent to the cemetery.

One of the homes in town was transformed to the Grantham Arms tavern by posting this simple sign.  It was used when Lord Grantham goes to try and pay off the chaueffer to leave Lady Sybil.

Many of the homes are transformed by simply adding a sign or covering up a fire alarm, modern railing or current signage. They said the village extras who are used in the filming earn between 100-150 pounds a day. Plus they have an opportunity to mix with the cast.

The actual tour of Highclere Abbey was wonderful.  We could wander through the home, gardens and the special Egyptian exhibit.  The fifth Earl of Carnarvon discoved the tomb of King Tut.  He died several months later and wasn't able to celebrate this achievement. The home was actually used as a hospital and the current family's cook did have eye surgery like the Grantham's cook in the series. The abbey is still be used today by the present Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had fun visiting with other Downton fans.  The series is being shown in 20 countries around the globe and the visitors were definitely an international group. The home was designed by the same man that designed the Houses of Parliament.

I made it!

Be glad I couldn't take pictures inside too or this would be even longer.