“Gossipy and fun, with a good history lesson—sure to delight Downton Abbey fans.” — Kirkus Reviews

Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey tells the story of the beautiful American girl who lived at Highclere Castle, the setting for Julian Fellowes' award winning drama "Downton Abbey". Glamorous and wealthy, Catherine became the toast of London society and married the son of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, Lord Porchester, or 'Porchey', 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 Castle. One of the first challenges they both had to face was to save Highclere Castle from being sold to pay enormous death duties for which they were liable after the death of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.

As the decade of the 1930’s developed their marriage sadly did not survive and Catherine moved to London. The book follows the lives and challenges of upstairs and downstairs as World War two became imminent. Highclere was transformed into a home for evacuee children and the whole estate was turned over to the war effort to survive the German blockade and helped train allied soldiers.

Where to Buy

To purchase one of Lady Carnarvon’s books please go to Amazon or special signed hard backs are available at the Highclere Castle gift shop.

Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey - UK Edition Buy Now