DenmanTel: 01865 391991
MarchamFax: 01865 391966
AbingdonE:
Oxon, OX13 6NW
134.9507The Real Downton Abbey: Literary Lunch
Friday 2 May 2014
Come and meet bestselling author Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the eighth Countess of Carnarvon, and hear her speak about her home Highclere Castle, one of England’s most exquisite Victorian residences and the setting for Julian Fellowes' award-winning drama Downton Abbey.
She will discuss her new book, 'Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey', which tells the story of a beautiful American heiress who lived at Highclere Castle in the 1920s. Glamorous and wealthy, Catherine became the toast of London society when she travelled across the Atlantic to marry the Earl of Porchester, or 'Porchy' as he was known. At just 19 Catherine had to learn how to organise and host the lavish banquets and weekend house parties that Porchy so loved. She found herself suddenly in charge of the more than eighty staff working at Highclere, and persuaded her husband to improve their living and working conditions.
But things were far from perfect. The demands of running such a large household were greater than Lady Catherine had expected. Her new husband gradually revealed himself to be a scandalous rogue, squandering their money and pursuing silent movie stars across London. When World War Two broke out, there was yet more turbulence with Highclere transformed into an American airbase and host to several hundred soldiers, as well as fifty young evacuees from East London.
Listen to Lady Carnarvon as she reveals the extraordinary tale of her predecessor. Sometimes facts are even more extraordinary than the fiction...
Outline for the Day:
10:30am - Guests Arrive for Morning Coffee and Pastries
11:00am - Discussion and Book Signing with Lady Carnarvon
1:00pm - Three Course Lunch with Wine
2:30pm - Depart
Previous events with Lady Carnarvon have sold out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The price of £45 for WI members and £50 for non-members is for the day event only. You can purchase tickets to this event with an overnight stay on the 1st May. The price for dinner, en-suite accommodation for one night, breakfast and attendance at the event is £99 for WI members and £109 for non-members. Search course code 134.9510 to book the overnight option.
Arrivals: If coming by car, please follow the drive past the main house and park in the car park at the end. Overflow parking is available beyond this car park, in Lime Walk. Please park ‘nose in’ between the trees. Then walk back to the main house for coffee and pastries.