Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey:The Lost Legacy of Highclere (book)

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A historical read about the high class family that is the Carnarvons. It is written in a non-linear narrative by the current Eighth Countess of Carnarvon, Fiona. She has focused on the late 1800s to the 1920s, covering the fifth Countess, Almina Carnarvon, her family, friends and the events that took place in that period, such as the rules of that society, war and the discovery of Tutankhamun. She really captures the raw emotion, style and many other details from her husband's ancestors and that period.

It is factual, but has the rhythm and attributes of a story. For example, a couple sections remind me of a 'Cinderella moment', where a young Almina isn't included fully into society, until she attends a ball and the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, George, catches her eye. You will further notice that many events reflect upon the well known television show 'Downton Abbey', such as motor incidents, war, women and politics. For example, Lady Almina gives strong and articulate speeches at protests.

This book explores the characteristics of the Lord and Lady, their children and other relations, such as Alfred de Rothschild and Howard Carter. You will discover Lady Almina has many qualities including being an activist, a nurse, receiving compliments on her beauty and having a sense of style. This has been portrayed in her interior design skills and her fashion. However, most importantly she is seen as being a kind person who always puts other people's needs before her own. George Carnarvon further has that quality of extreme kindness; he also loves travelling, art and is enthusiastic in trying out new technology.

As I said, the Carnarvons had many relations, including Earls, Dukes, Duchesses, Ladies and even Royalty, such as Queen Victoria and King George V. You will further explore the connection between the Carnarvons and regular folks who fought and supported the First World War. In addition there are quite a few chapters that cover the war. This shows how much of an impact it made on the Carnarvon family, as well as the rest of the world.

As you can already see, there are many historical facts you can learn from this book as you follow the Carnarvons' lives, as well as briefly touching on the other generations.You can find out more on the Carnarvon family from this article I found: http://www.sylviavetta.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Lady-Fiona-Carnarvon.pdf


 





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