30 years after Castle Howard became known to millions as Brideshead in the 1981 Brideshead Revisited, the equally little known Highclere Castle has found fame in its own TV drama Downton Abbey.
Its just over 12 months now since Downton Abbey hit the global TV screens in the UK, America and later Australia and going by the numbers visiting the grand stately estate of Highclere Castle, home to the Earls of Carnarvon, the excitement surrounding the drama series really has rubbed off on this quiet country dwelling.
Interestingly, the series producers used both the outside and the inside of the house so visitors familiar with Downton Abbey will immediately recognise many of the paintings and interior decor, although dinner suits and long flowing dresses are entirely optional.
So what is this curse of which we speak?
Those paying attention in history class might also realise that at least the owners of the house have a previous historical claim to fame with the great grandfather of the current Lord Carnarvon funding the exhibition to unearth Tutankhamun’s tomb. It is said that those who opened the tomb were struck down by a curse and indeed many did later circum to mysterious illnesses.
Some may see such as mass of visitors as a curse, but for the current Lord Carnarvon it has come as something of a blessing. As this Daily Mail article on Highclere Castle reveals, in 2009 the house was facing a £12 million repair bill.
Perhaps finally the curse has been lifted for the family and they will be able to save the house for future generations.
The BBC’s Tim Muffett took a trip around Highclere Castle recently and you see see his video report here.
More Resources:
Highclere House on UKattraction
Hotels in and around Newbury (near Highclere Castle)
More visitor attractions around Newbury
