Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by Fiona Carnarvon

Jun 12, 2013 Jason Koivu rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yeah, I read this. Why? Because... http://www.e-subversive.net/soundboar...

This is the story of Highclere Castle at its prime. Specifically it focuses on Lady Almina, her husband Lord Carnarvon and their family. As the subtitle suggests, Highclere is the impressive house better known to the world these days as Downton Abbey, and that is why this book exists. There are marked similarities between what viewers of that hit television show will recognize and what actually happened at Highclere, espe...more Yeah, I read this. Why? Because... http://www.e-subversive.net/soundboar...

This is the story of Highclere Castle at its prime. Specifically it focuses on Lady Almina, her husband Lord Carnarvon and their family. As the subtitle suggests, Highclere is the impressive house better known to the world these days as Downton Abbey, and that is why this book exists. There are marked similarities between what viewers of that hit television show will recognize and what actually happened at Highclere, especially during the Great War period, so DA fans will not be disappointed.

They may however be more bogged down with history than they expected. This is not the place to receive a full, erudite lecture upon Victorian and Edwardian England, but it is serviceable. In fact, the very beginning is somewhat hard to follow what with the lords and ladies with their numerous names, often French or German in origin, that come out marble-mouthed, as if your tongue has been stewing in a vat of anesthesia. Those who relish pomp will delight in chapter one's description of a wedding and marriage that only money could buy. However, those same people are probably going to be exhausted by the history lesson, which is why they may not like this book and why I enjoyed it more than I expected.

I didn't have high hopes that there was going to be anything of substance herein. In fact, I'm surprised to be writing this review, never mind giving it 4 stars, because I figured I would've given the book up as a waste of time about half way through. But I did read this smooth, yet workman-like book to the end and enjoyed its insights. The Carnarvon family were aristocrats and part of me is sickened by their excesses...buuut then I remember I live in America, I recall the fairly privileged life I've led and it humbles me. Looking beyond the entitlement, you can't help but like these people for their charity, the part they played in the war, the many philanthropic efforts, etc etc. Yes, yes, they had plenty of money that they didn't "earn" so of course they should give it back. But not all of them did...or do. The way the system works, I guess we should be glad of the Bill Gateses of the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26...). Beyond all that, the family had long reaching contacts, not only in society and government, but in the world in general. There were fascinating connections to the Brideshead Revisited novelist Evelyn Waugh and the most incredible archaeological find of all time that made for interesting sidebars. I would've liked to have heard more about the building of the house and what it looks like on the inside, but then I suppose Fiona Carnarvon, the current lady of the house, didn't want to sap the tourism cash cow generated by visits to Highclere. Daily attendance must be through the roof lately!

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Jan 03, 2013 Nick rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm of two minds here. On the one hand, as someone who not only likes Downton Abbey, but also really likes pretty much anything British and Victorian/Edwardian (think: Mitfords, Sackville-West, Waugh), this was a whole lot of fun. On the other, it was a little disconcerting just how much the author fawned over her subject. Perhaps this is because she's followed in her footsteps, is also the Countess of Carnarvon (married to the 8th Earl; Almina married the 5th), and is clearly using this book to...more

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view all 9 comments

Carly I believe the point of this book is to tell about life in the castle where Downton Abbey was filmed, so that would explain why there isn't much about...more
Apr 12, 2013 12:04pm

Nick I think you're right that the point of the book was to talk about Highclere Castle, and that's totally fine, but given that readers have just spent a...more
Apr 13, 2013 08:37am

May 23, 2013 Roberta rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: memoir

I haven't watched Downton Abbey yet, though apparently I must. This biography of Almina, the 5th Countee of Carnarvon, written by Fiona, the 8th, is not brilliantly written. However, it is a time period I find interesting and I did learn a lot about the years leading up to WW1 and the war itself. How a country recovers from something like that is beyond me. How the survivors were able to carry on is beyond me.

Hard to imagine the vast amounts of money and leisure some people had while others star...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Dot rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dot-s-booklist-2012

I was captivated by the Downton Abbey drama on PBS and so when I discovered this book on Highclere Abbey ( where it was filmed) and Almina, Countess of Caernarvon, I knew I wanted to read it and I was not disappointed. The book is written by the current Countess, Fiona Caernarvon, who became interested in researching the subject when the script for the TV series was being written. The result is a fascinating account of how a large Estate is organised and the activities of the family who owned it...more

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May 15, 2012 The Lit Bitch rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was absolutely riveting! I would call this one un-put-downable…it was a smashing read and I enjoyed every page! Books like this make me excited about history! Don’t we all wish we could wave our magic wands and become the Crawley family living the high life at Downton Abbey? For Lady Almina Carnarvon that dream was a reality!!
See my full review here

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Mar 06, 2013 Connie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Watchers of "Downton Abbey."

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, by The Countess of Carnarvon. Those of us who have claimed “Downton Abbey” as our most important hour of TV, EVER, will love this non-fiction history of Highclere Castle. Centered on the 1895-1925 era of wealth, fame, travel, extravagance beyond imagination and living in the highest of high styles, this story will keep visions of the TV story flashing in your mind as the real lives are interwoven in your mind with the fictional lives. There are names in th...more

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Jun 14, 2013 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

First of all, let's just address the fact that Downton Abbey (the awesome BBC series that has swept the nation) should carry the message "based on a true story" somewhere in each episode. Yes, the series is fiction, but I was truly surprised by the similarities between the show and what actually happened in history.

Even more amazing about reading this book is how incredibly strong and courageous the lady of the house proved herself to be. Lady Almina Carnarvon was a kind, generous force to be r...more First of all, let's just address the fact that Downton Abbey (the awesome BBC series that has swept the nation) should carry the message "based on a true story" somewhere in each episode. Yes, the series is fiction, but I was truly surprised by the similarities between the show and what actually happened in history.

Even more amazing about reading this book is how incredibly strong and courageous the lady of the house proved herself to be. Lady Almina Carnarvon was a kind, generous force to be reckoned with who kept that household running, and was a patron to soldiers during the war by forming a hospital where they could rest and recover from their injuries. The role Lady Almina played in nursing and caring for soldiers was a vital one. At the time of WWI, hospitals were privately funded by benefactors, so without the organization, funding, and spirit of Almina, countless men might have died. The book details letter after letter from grateful recipients of her care.

The Carnarvon family also had a passion for Egyptian artifacts and went to Egypt on several archaeological digs, some of which discovered alabaster vessels and golden statues of gods, but the most incredible discovery was that of King Tut's tomb. The Earl of Carnarvon died shortly after the tomb was discovered, but his partner, Carter, was funded by Almina to continue the work of documenting the find. Many of the relics seen in NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art come from that discovery.

Similarities between real life and the BBC include, but are not limited to:
+ Downton is saved by the marriage of an Earl to a woman of means named Lady Almina.
+ There are characters from history whose names appear in the BBC series, such as Crawley, Bates, a Turk named Kemal, and Mary.
+ One of the Earls had a penchant for cars and was badly injured in an accident.
+ There is a butler who is incredibly devoted to his job and the family.
+ There are a couple of relationships between household staff that end in marriages.
+ Several British dignitaries visit Highclere and lavish parties are thrown for them.
+ Highclere Castle is turned into a hospital during the war by the decree of Lady Almina. Many soldiers convalesce there and find physical and emotional healing from their war injuries.
+ There is a staff member who becomes involved with a soldier and is dismissed from her position.
+ There are a couple of household staff who go off to war and are killed.
+ Lady Almina comes down with the Spanish flu.
+ The Earl had a faithful dog to whom he was quite attached.(less)

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Feb 06, 2013 Isabel Almeida (Os Livros Nossos) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parceria-presença

Crítica por: Isabel Alexandra Almeida / Blog Os Livros Nossos:

Lady Almina e a verdadeira Downton Abbey [O legado Perdido do Castelo de Highclere] traça-nos o fascinante retrato de uma mulher notável, bastante dinâmica e empreendedora, que deixou, sem dúvida, uma marca relevante na História de Inglaterra, entre finais do Século XIX e início do Século XX.

Sustentada em abundante pesquisa documental, Lady Fiona, a actual e 8ª Condessa de Carnarvon, dá-nos a conhecer Lady Almina - a 5ª Condessa de...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Are you at a loss after viewing the Season 2 final episode of Downton Abbey wondering how you will make it until Season 3 airs??? Then pick up this book and snuggle in for a great read. I think you will enjoy reading about the "real" people and recognize those who have lived and loved beautiful Highclere. Almina inherits gobs of money from Albert Rothschild and becomes a real catch in the late 1890s Victorian/Edwardian society of London. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon picks her and they make a love m...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Suzanne Mccandless rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was surprised by how much I learned from this book. I had expected a good deal of fluff about house parties and social events in the early 20th century. there was that but also a great deal about WWI and about the discovery of King Tut's tomb.

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Jun 10, 2013 Susy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yes, I fawn over all things Downton Abbey, and yes I love any opportunity to get an insider's view of the British elite and any chance to learn a bit about their life - especially if it intersects with the Royal Family. And this part biography part history lesson does just that. Lady Almina, the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, and her mother, Marie Wombwell, overcame that little blemish to her pedigree & married George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Gerbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvo...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

The book is a historical account of the house used for filming Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, home of the Earl of Carnarvon. The focus is on one generation, centering around Lady Almina and her husband, the Fifth Earl.

The book opens with Lady Almina’s wedding in 1895, though it jumps back for some family history–rather scandalous history too! Almina was a very wealthy heiress by way of her “godfather,” Sir Alfred…though her actual parentage was apparently an open secret. With enough charm and...more The book is a historical account of the house used for filming Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, home of the Earl of Carnarvon. The focus is on one generation, centering around Lady Almina and her husband, the Fifth Earl.

The book opens with Lady Almina’s wedding in 1895, though it jumps back for some family history–rather scandalous history too! Almina was a very wealthy heiress by way of her “godfather,” Sir Alfred…though her actual parentage was apparently an open secret. With enough charm and money, you can even get past unmarried parents. It was both her charm and her money that attracted the Earl, and apparently they went on to be very happily married.

The book opened a bit slow for me–it’s a wonderful story, but I would have liked it better as historical fiction, rather than this somewhat skimming-the-surface historical account. And every so often I got the sense that the Countess was dragging in a fact because she could; just because you have the account book from the wedding, that doesn’t mean we need to know exactly how much the flowers cost.

However, the book picked up as it got into more of what life was like for society of that time. There’s plenty on life for the wealthy, and I especially liked the chapter on life for the servants at Highclere, and how the downstairs really functioned. You get bits and pieces of it from the TV show, but there were different details and it was interesting to hear the real history. I also got more invested in the characters (if I can call them that…) the more I read.

The book makes a major shift when World War I arrives (you know…Season Two). Lady Almina found a calling for nursing, first opening up Highclere to wounded soldiers, and then running a hospital in London. We follow the principle members of the family through the war, as well as accounts of some of the soldiers who stayed at Highclere. It was fascinating and exciting, and I was really engaged for about three-quarters of that section. There was nothing wrong with the last part, but it just began to feel like it went on a bit, for a book that is supposed to be about Highclere Castle, not a war memoir. Still, it was interesting to see this view on WWI.

After the war ended, the Fifth Earl was free to pursue his long-time interest in Egyptian archaeology. You may not recognize his name (I didn’t) but I’m sure you’ve heard his story before…he was one of the leaders of the expedition that found King Tut’s tomb. As I’m sure you can imagine, that dominated the last section of the book.

The book is never quite Downton Abbey-level drama, but there are very good family stories and stories of the time. It’s dry in spots but mostly interesting and sometimes exciting. Don’t expect too much of a tie to Downton Abbey. It’s not directly connected, though I could draw my own lines a few times–like comparing Lady Almina to Lady Cora, or when they talked about the servants. There were discussions on what the scullery maid’s duties were (so that would be Daisy…) or what the head housemaid did (Anna, of course–my favorite character).

If you like Downton but have no broader interest, I wouldn’t pick this up. But if you do have an interest in the time period, this was a very readable, quite good slice of British history.(less)

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Apr 28, 2013 Janna Wong rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Based on the comments of other readers, I was excited about reading this book. I listened to the audible version and I must say that, while interesting, it didn't engage me as I thought it would. Yes, it tells the story of the countess of Highclere Castle, the site of Downton Abbey; and, yes, Lady Almina lived a very compelling life, especially in her years as a nurse during World War I. But I was immediately wary when the Introduction states that this is not a biography nor is it a history. So,...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Paula Viajar pela leitura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Opinião:
Esta é uma obra que nos fala de Almina Carnarvon. Uma mulher que se destacou pela sua atitude de bem receber no castelo de Highclere e durante a primeira guerra mundial revelou ser uma mulher de força e cuja vontade havia sempre de alcançar os seus objectivos. É de realçar que Almina era também detentora de grande fortuna, o que facilitou a concretização de certos objectivos e alguns caprichos.

Esta é uma narrativa essencialmente descritiva, a autora baseou-se em livros de presença e de d...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

Ehh...I guess I was expecting an interesting history or biography, but I wouldn't call this book either. In fact, toward the beginning it is stated that this is not an historical account or fiction...which leads one to wonder what it is. I think the author just stumbled upon some old ledgers and/or letters (based on the the lists of employees and gifts that she includes), did a tiny bit of research (to flesh things out, but you can tell she didn't dig too deep), and choose a time period that is...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Kate Campbell rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is an evocative history of the Edwardian Era told through the life of Almina Carnarvon, countess of Carnarvon. What fascinated me were the details of life at Highclere Castle, the way the castle and estate worked. I would have liked more details about the gardens and the parks, more about how the farm operated and the kind of planning that goes on generation to generation to keep this agricultural enterprise going. It's a superficial history designed to capitalize on the TV series "Downton...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, biography-or-memoir, history

This is a very fast, enjoyable read for anyone interested in Downton Abbey, or just in the British aristocracy and its lifestyle around the turn of the century. The book is clearly a love letter to Highclere and to one of its best-known inhabitants. This is both a good thing and a bad thing.

As entertainment, it reads well, flows quickly and provides a great deal of information for those looking to learn more about the family/estate's history.

As history, it's a bit lacking. The author tends to se...more This is a very fast, enjoyable read for anyone interested in Downton Abbey, or just in the British aristocracy and its lifestyle around the turn of the century. The book is clearly a love letter to Highclere and to one of its best-known inhabitants. This is both a good thing and a bad thing.

As entertainment, it reads well, flows quickly and provides a great deal of information for those looking to learn more about the family/estate's history.

As history, it's a bit lacking. The author tends to seriously gloss over the family's flaws. It is repreatedly mentioned that Almina and her husband spend extravagantly and without any thought to the future. This could have completely sunk the estate, and in fact it's what brought their marriage about in the first place, because the Earl had already spent so much that he needed Almina's fortune to bail out his sinking ship. It's a beautiful thing that Almina was able to do as much hospital and charity work as she did, but I kept thinking how completely irresponsible it was of her to constantly spend in the way she did. It's a double-edged sword. Her responsibility as the Countess is to keep up the family reputation and bring Highclere as much glory and positive press as she can. She certianly did that. But she did it in a way that could have brought disaster to them later on.

The author also completely skips some crucial bits.

One: While she did have some description in there about what Almina's role was as the Countess, and bits about party planning and what the downstairs staff were doing, I thought that this part oculd have gone into a bit greater depth, especially as the book is trying to cash in on people who found it because they are fans of Downton Abbey. I guess, though, that's a different book. One that's less of a biography and more solely a history of the time period - so that complaint is on me.

Two: Really? You spend 9/10ths of the book following Almina's life, whether she is in Highclere, London, Egypt - have extensive chapters covering her husband's excavations and discoveries in Egypt, in fact - and then once the Earl dies, you peter off in two short chapters? It's really obvious that the author wanted to end the book on a positive, scandal-free note. So she chose to totally gloss over everything that happened after the Earl died. Almina remarried only seven months afterwards - kinda shocking considering I think the mourning period for a spouse used to be even longer than that. Then she got involved in a very well-known and rather scandalous court case involving her new husband's ex-wife - considered one of the most scathingly litigious cases of the day - and the author gives it one line. She doesn't even tell us how old Almina was when she died (she was 92, if you want to know) but merely mentions that she "lived a long life." I don't even know how she died. So that's just.... odd. Her age on its own certainly wasn't controversial so I just completely don't understand why you would leave that out in a biography.

Overall, this is a very interesting, entertaining book. It covers a lot of ground besides just Almina's specific activities (extensive chapters on World War I, hospital work and Egyptian excavations) and should give people a good sense of the time period and Almina's, and Highclere's, role in it. A great read for fans of Downton, or just fans of the age.(less)

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Jan 27, 2013 Belinda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book was recommended to me even though I don't watch Downton Abbey.
I found it ok. I liked reading about the way Highclere was run, the huge dinner parties, the high life of Almina and hubby.
I didn't enjoy all the chapters about the war. I've read enough war history and this seemed to use scraps of historical detail to try and capture the attention rather than any real context or timeframe.
Almina started to sound more and more like a spoilt woman who has a hospital because otherwise she'd hav...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Eve rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For those who don't know, this book tells a thin slice of early 20th century history regarding Highclere Castle, the real-life counterpart (and filmed setting) for 'Downton Abbey,' which also takes place in the Edwardian era. Yes, there are a few parallels between the 5th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon: Almina Wombwell, the daughter of banking giant Alfred Rothschild, married a down-on-his-luck earl and saved his estate and eventually opened a military hospital in their home for soldiers wounded...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this passably written book and found the real people even more interesting and admirable than the Downton Abbey characters based on them--albeit there's much less drama involved. Like Lady Cora and Lord Crawley, Lady Almina and the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon's marriage exchanging money for title is also a love match, money for title marriages being fairly common but those with love or even liking being rare. However, Almina is not American, but the tacitly acknowledged illegitimate...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Ori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, reviewed

In my life I've probably read exactly one other biography, and I don't even remember whose it was. This book, though, it took me completely by surprise. It was compelling and moving and took me completely out of my surroundings and straight into the world of Lady Almina and Highclere.

It begins with an enthralling description of the glory and glamour of the highest echelons of London society, the lifestyles of the rich and extremely fashionable. Lady Almina led an incredibly charmed life, and uni...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey as a Christmas present, began reading it at once and have just finished it. While it is not going to get a 5 star rating from me because stylistically it's quite competent but a bit naive, the story it tells, and tells well, moves me to highly recommend it to anyone who loves the Downton Abbey series, but, more importantly, has an interest in the real life Britain's aristocracy.

What is most striking about this book by the present Countess of Carn...more I received Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey as a Christmas present, began reading it at once and have just finished it. While it is not going to get a 5 star rating from me because stylistically it's quite competent but a bit naive, the story it tells, and tells well, moves me to highly recommend it to anyone who loves the Downton Abbey series, but, more importantly, has an interest in the real life Britain's aristocracy.

What is most striking about this book by the present Countess of Carnarvon is that the story of the countess at the same time period as the television series covers: 1895 to the aftermath of World War I, is that fiction is milder than fact -- like the sunset that is more gorgeous than any painter would dare paint.

Downton Abbey, while a superb piece of television theater that I enjoy immensely (I also got the series in DVD for Christmas, to a certain extent retail middle class preconceptions about aristocrats. Here, in this biography of Lady Almina, we find what we would suppose would be scandal -- but wasn't, and eeriness that goes beyond fiction but is true.

It seems almost everything I read lately is telling me the recent history of the Middle East, and Lady Carnarvon's book is no exception. Janet Wallach, in her biography of Gertrude Bell, would suggest that for a lady to travel there alone (with her servant(s) of course)was something extraordinary. But apparently, among the well to do British and French, the dry air of Egypt and the Ottoman Empire was considered quite salubrious, just the thing for recovery from whatever ailed you, from allergies to melancholia.

But what adventure in Egypt compares with that of Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter!

And for those interested in women's history, Almina's moving the sluggish powers of the military to turn her castle into a hospital is a fine example of what women of means could do. Echoing through the book is her father's remark, "Puss-cat, I gave you 10,000 pounds last week. What have you done with it (that you need another 25,000 today?)" It isn't cheap to run a fine hospital for the war wounded.

So do read Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey. Lady Carnarvon has complied it from private papers and brought the period to life with loving care. Maintaining a great castle is her principal profession and at the moment I cannot think of another chatelaine finer at writing than Vita Sackville West. And Vita provides a high bar for literary elegance. (less)

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Dec 12, 2012 Shalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Being a fan of the UK's Downton Abbey TV show, I was looking forward to this book. Although I didn't enjoy the book quite as much as I had hoped, I am glad to have read it. Having studied history in college, reading this book reminded me of those days -- parts of it are very dry, kind of like a textbook. The first 100 or so pages and the last 100 or so pages are very interesting and fun to read because they're actually about Lady Almina, her family, Highclere Castle, and the society and culture...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Caren rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-nonfiction

Anyone hooked on "Downton Abbey" may enjoy this book, but even if BBC costume dramas don't grab you, this book has other areas of interest. Using the tale of one family, you can get an inside look at how devastating World War I was to Britain. It also offers a glimpse inside a time period--the turn of the last century and Edwardian England-- that saw enormous technological changes. Lady Almina, the Countess of Carnarvon, was mistress of Highclere Castle (where "Downton Abbey" was filmed) from 18...more Anyone hooked on "Downton Abbey" may enjoy this book, but even if BBC costume dramas don't grab you, this book has other areas of interest. Using the tale of one family, you can get an inside look at how devastating World War I was to Britain. It also offers a glimpse inside a time period--the turn of the last century and Edwardian England-- that saw enormous technological changes. Lady Almina, the Countess of Carnarvon, was mistress of Highclere Castle (where "Downton Abbey" was filmed) from 1895 until her husband's death in 1923, at which time her son inherited the estate and she moved into an opulent home, in London, which she had inherited from her father. This book was written by the current mistress of Highclere Castle, Lady Fiona Carnarvon. Lady Fiona tells the story of her predecessor with a direct but sympathetic voice. Lady Almina was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild and his French mistress, Marie, known as Mina. (Marie was actually married to someone else.) Almina's name was a combination of their names. Almina was close to both of her parents and, for as long as her father lived, got whatever she asked for from him. In other words, money was NEVER an issue. She spent huge sums, although during the Great War, the sums were often for a good cause. She did, as in "Downton Abbey", set up a hospital in her home, although it was at her behest and she enjoyed nursing. Later, she moved the hospital to London in order to be nearer the best doctors and equipment. She had a son (Lord Porchester, known as "Porchy") and a daughter (Evelyn, often called Eve). Her husband, the Earl of Carnarvon, also became known as the partner and benefactor of Howard Carter, who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The book has a lot of interesting old photos from the castle archives. Almina apparently had lots of energy and the family knew everyone in high society in those days. They hosted many a hunt and house party, and traveled extensively. This book is a fun and quick read, but you will also learn a bit of history on the way. (less)

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Sep 15, 2012 Dempse Kb rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've been researching my family tree and this book proves that an interesting and historically accurate description based on letters, articles and interviews is possible.

The book focuses on the life and marriage of Lady Alimina, the incredibly wealthy, yet illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who was the financial backer of Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb. From their over the top marriage at St. Margaret's Westminster, lavish parties at Highcl...more I've been researching my family tree and this book proves that an interesting and historically accurate description based on letters, articles and interviews is possible.

The book focuses on the life and marriage of Lady Alimina, the incredibly wealthy, yet illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who was the financial backer of Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb. From their over the top marriage at St. Margaret's Westminster, lavish parties at Highclear Castle, tomb hunting in the Valley of the Kings, and the serious matter of caring for the wounded of World War 1. The book is a breeze to read and a treasure trove of information that brings history alive. The most surprising thing is her detailed account of World War 1. She doesn't just include information about what happened at Highclere castle, or even just Lady Almina's role in the war, but details each family and staff member who was a part of the war effort. From the trenches of Normandy to the failed battles in Turkey, she relates actual roles and speculative roles in the cases where details were sparse.

The Countess of Carnarvon was savvy enough to not make up dialogue, and to preface any personal speculation to the why's behind her research notes. After all this is not a historically questionable bodice ripper!! Of course, she probably could make a really good one with the mountains of details she organized! No, this book is full of lavish descriptions of clothing and furniture, of parties and travels. The hardest thing about researching family history is organizing what you have found. The Countess would have had mountains of information to sift through, and she did a fantastic job of organizing it and making sense of what she found. She didn't stop there, she also interviewed family members and descendants of the house staff for anecdotes and details that wouldn't be mentioned in lists and ledgers.

The Countess of Carnarvon didn't do it alone, and happily admits she had help with research, editing and of course plenty of tea! She did an exceptional job and the book should be a source of pride for her and her family. It's not everyone that has a history book of their family, but this book gives me the encouragement that if I dedicated myself I could make my own!

I recommend this book to fans of Downton Abbey, and history buffs who want to know more about the late Victorian era, the Edwardian era and World War one.

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Sep 12, 2012 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book becaus I loved the Downton Abbey series. This book describes the real inhabitants of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. The series bases many story lines on the family that lived in Highclere. The Castle is about an hour outside London by train in the countryside. Almina, who becomes the Countess of Carnarvon by marrying the Count who occupied Highclere, was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred Rothchild. She was at once a child of extreme wealth and privilege yet li...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Bebe (Sarah) Brechner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Are you also a Downton Abbey fan? I love the series, so I've been eagerly waiting to read this account of the woman and house that inspired the series. Written by the present lady of the house, it is more or less an autobiography of both the house and the woman who ran it during the end of the 19th century and well into the 20th. Very detailed, as the author is able to pull out actual receipts for events and dinners. I was especially fascinated by the account of Almina's husband's expeditions to...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Jenny GB rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What an interesting read! I haven't watched the Downtown Abby show yet, but apparently I'm going to need to look into it. I thought this would be a nice introduction to the real player behind the fiction. The book concentrates on describing major events in the life of Lady Almina and the family of her husband, the 5th Count of Carnarvon. There is some fascinating stuff here about the glamor and lifestyle of the wealthly as well as the lives of the servants in the house. Then there's a lot about...more What an interesting read! I haven't watched the Downtown Abby show yet, but apparently I'm going to need to look into it. I thought this would be a nice introduction to the real player behind the fiction. The book concentrates on describing major events in the life of Lady Almina and the family of her husband, the 5th Count of Carnarvon. There is some fascinating stuff here about the glamor and lifestyle of the wealthly as well as the lives of the servants in the house. Then there's a lot about Lady Almina's nursing and great charity during WWI. It's just incredible how good of a job she did at healing soldiers given the resources available at that time. After the war ends the book focuses on her husband's claim to fame which was the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun which I found the most exciting of all because I love archaeology but I never would have connected it to this novel! There's plenty of other great smaller stories as well about test flights happening on the grounds and royal visits. The content of this book can't help but draw you in if you're at all interested in learning more about the family.

The book has it's faults, though. I don't think the current Countess is destined to write more books. Many parts of the book are repetitive and the beginning has some particularly confusing jumps in time and character as she tries to tell everyone's family story at the same time. I also felt she lingered a lot on the particulars of WWI. Instead of focusing just on the family's connection to it (which was covered) we got a condensed version of most of the war. I was left feeling like it was added in to fill in space and create a larger book. However, I was willing to overlook these things because I was truly interested in the story being told. The last chapter on Lady Almina's legacy was moving and probably the best written part of the book. I could tell that the author cared deeply about all of the people she researched that lived or visited Highclere Castle. I don't know the show, but I should think this is a must read for a Downtown Abby fan.(less)

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Sep 03, 2012 Sally Wessely rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book is interesting in many ways. It gave me great insight into the life and times of Lady Almina Carnarvon and the castle we all call Downton Abbey, but I also found the book lacking in many aspects. It is not written particularly well. In fact, I found a number of errors in the book that caused me to wonder if the author had an editor. I also found that I was sometimes confused about events and people that were discussed in the book. It seemed almost as if the author was looking at the gue...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. It is a more thorough account of the Edwardian Era and WWI, (at least from the eyes of Britain's very rich,) than I have ever read. And it is fun to see that there truly is a real-life inspiration for Downton Abbey. There are a lot of parallels to the series, such as: the actual estate becoming a place to take care of soldiers during war, some of the personal lives of the servants, and even Almina's bout with Spanish Influenza that resembles L...more

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What makes Downton Abbey so good?	7	68	Apr 29, 2013 06:20pm
Goodreads Librari...: 1 author, 2 different names	3	29	Mar 10, 2013 12:09pm
Ravelry Knitters: January 2013- Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey	20	124	Jan 23, 2013 04:40pm
Laurie R. King Vi...: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey - VBC May 2012	38	50	Jun 04, 2012 01:04pm

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