Highclere Castle – where the Downton Abbey series were filmed
Highclere Castle is where Earl and the Countess of Carnarvon live. It is also where the series Downton Abbey were filmed; a popular series which was known to have over 11 million views and have been seen in over 100 countries.
The landscape of where the castle is located is dominated by an Iron Age hill. Studies from the past show that people have lived at the castle for a total of 1300 years.
There was some major renovation work that was done on the castle during the 18th century and carried out into the 19th century when the Carnarvon family moved in.
The brick and freestone house was turned into a Georgian home. The major transformation had yet to happen though.
Highclere Castle Gardens – Lawn stripes and topiary, England, UK
In 1838 Earl III of the Carnarvon family asked Sir Charles to do some more transforming to the home. He suggested transformations that would be impressive to those that would later be visiting from all around the world.
This is when the major transformation took place.
By the time Queen Victoria ruled the throne the Highclere Castle as well as the grounds was a very scenical place; this is the way that Benjamin Disraeli described it when he saw it for the first time.
The work that was done on the inside of the castle was finished in the year of 1878. After it was completed various political ordeals that took place there mostly during the Victorian times.
Highclere Castle, England, UK
During the first few years of the castle’s existence it had the Edwardian design and many different parties and political events took place there.
Now the castle is open to the public but only 60 – 70 days a year (mainly through summer months). Basic admission to the castle and gardens is £13.00, or £5.00 to the gardens only.
