While another house once stood where Highclere is today, the current house that has become so famous was designed by Sir Charles Barry (one of the architects of the Houses of Parliament) and was constructed from 1839 to 1842. As with many great estates, it fell into disrepair so much that the current Earl of Carnarvon lived in another home on the estate. However, since becoming the primary filming location for Downton Abbey, its popularity has increased massively and it now receives enough paying visitors to help the family make repairs. So what do you not know about one of the most famous homes on television? Read on and find out.
The Numbers
Highclere Castle sits on an estate that totals 6,000 acres. The castle covers 30,000 square feet and has a total of 300 rooms, with approximately 61 of these being bedrooms on the upper floors. Approximately 50 of those rooms were uninhabitable as of 2009. In that year, cost estimates to repair Highclere totaled £12 million.
Art Imitates Life
On Downton Abbey, the home became a convalescence hospital for soldiers during World War I. While Lady Cora was less than thrilled about Lord Grantham’s decision on the programme, it was the opposite in real life as Lady Almina, the Fifth Countess of Carnarvon, willingly opened her home to the injured. What’s more, she offered her services as a nurse and became quite skilled. The house still has many of the letters on display from soldiers and their parents thanking her for her hospitality.
Pay Attention to the Safety Lecture
Due to the home’s height, it had an interesting evacuation procedure if it caught fire. Much like an airplane evacuation, the servants were to use canvas chutes held up by iron rings to slide down from the upper floors.
Chair’s a Bit Short
In the music room, you’ll find a mahogany desk and chair that was once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Third Earl purchased them in 1821 after the Emperor’s death. As far as I know, they are normal height (just like Napoleon at 5’6” ).
The Staff
While the programme’s staff appears to be quite small, the real life Highclere staff numbers some 60 to 150 persons. This includes gardeners, household staff, tour guides, electricians, carpenters, etc. The workers in the tea room during the summer can be as young as 16 and the oldest of the employees in nearly 90. Most have worked there for 25 to 30 years and one for 52 years.
Could You Move, Please?
The first time the grounds of the estate were rebuilt was from 1774-1777, the Second Earl of Carnarvon actually relocated the nearby village to make more room for the estate.
Mummy’s Curse
The Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, George Herbert, was one of the explorers to uncover King Tut’s tomb with Howard Carter in 1922. The Earl brought back a number of artifacts with him to Highclere. He died less than a year after the discovery after accidentally shaving an infected mosquito bite. His death led to the rumour of “The Mummy’s Curse” for opening the tomb and disturbing Tut’s rest.
Entertaining
The home’s second floor gallery has an open arcade that meant musicians could be set up there during parties so that the music flowed down to the first floor. Meanwhile, the saloon’s 50-foot vaulted ceiling provided excellent acoustics in a period without powered sound amplifiers.
Value
The current value of the Highclere Castle estate is roughly £137 million.
Visiting
While the Earl and his family continue to live in the home during winter, in summer, they retire to the cottage in which they lived before repairs began. This makes the house open to tourists for 60 to 70 days per year, so make sure you plan your visit in advance. Adult prices for tickets are £20 and for families the price is £55. Due to its popularity, pre-booking is recommended. Parts of the castle can also be rented for corporate events, weddings, and parties.
