marry interesting people, Americans
and one particularly remarkable young
lady, Almina, the 5th Countess. With
a heart of gold, she nursed broken
soldiers, victims of World War I, just
as the fictional Lady Cora does in
Fellowes' brilliant drama.
Many of us, as a result of viewing
one richly orchestrated episode after
another, are familiar with most of the
principal rooms of the house, which
represent a wide range of periods
and styles. If you haven't had the
opportunity to see the series, watch
it on DVD, preferably with a group of
friends: it is a social, psychological,
costume, historical and deeply
moving drama, which captures the
momentous societal sea change,
which occurred well into the beginning
of the 20th century. Better still, visit
the house. Read Fiona, 8th Countess
Carnavon's engrossing book, Lady
Almina and the Real Downton Abbey,
published by Random House.
Viewers have seen and will see in
minute detail the interiors of Highclere;
the exterior and gardens deserve to
HYLAND
