Interviews | Posted by TV Time Machine 04.01.13
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LadyCarnarvonPortraitSmallerLady Fiona Carnarvon, The Countess of Carnarvon, is interviewed on location at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, by TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about her book, Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey.

In this journey on The TV Time Machine, we travel across the pond to discover a remarkable story woven within the fabric of both British and world history. In this very special edition of our program, we are honored to speak on location at Highclere Castle in Hampshire England, with Lady Fiona Carnarvon. Lady Carnarvon is the author of the extraordinary new book, Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey, chronicling the amazing story of the Fifth Countess. The Earl and Lady Fiona Carnarvon currently reside at Highclere Castle, which is the centerpiece home featured in the Emmy Award-winning PBS drama, Downton Abbey. LadyAlmina

Over these audio segments, Lady Carnarvon not only helps us relive virtually every aspect of the life and times of the Fifth Countess, but also takes us through an extraordinary journey exploring the history of World War I, the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, and the impact the popularity of Downton Abbey has had on her life and the life of Highclere Castle. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to drive on the other side of the road, feel free to join us for a spot of tea, as we slip from the restraints of the present, to experience a most ladylike past!

Listen to the Interview Below

Lady Carnarvon audio interview Segment One

In this segment, host Jim Benson and Lady Fiona Carnarvon talk about her inspiration for the book, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, and the challenge of writing a book of this scope in a remarkably short span of time. Lady Carnarvon also talks about her love of the history of World War I and her painstaking research into the battles, people and places of the time. The Countess of Carnarvon also discusses how she brought little known details of World War I to light, such as Lady Almina converting Highclere Castle into a hospital for World War I soldiers, which was depicted in a fictional fashion in the second season of Downton Abbey. Lady Carnarvon also talks about the impact of Downton Abbey on her life and the life of Highclere Castle and some of the attributes of Lady Almina and her experiences that Lady Carnarvon can particularly relate.

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Lady Carnarvon audio interview Segment Two

For the second segment, host Jim Benson and Lady Fiona Carnarvon discuss Highclere Castle, its history, and the inherent responsibilities to continue its historical legacy. Lady Carnarvon also talks about how Highclere Castle ultimately became the showcase home of Downton Abbey, and how the real life of the castle overlaps and intersects with the fictional depiction on the Emmy award-winning series. Lady Carnarvon also discusses the remarkable story depicted in her book, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, centering around the discovery of King Tut’s tomb by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter. The Countess of Carnarvon details the extraordinary life and times of the Earl, and the ironic circumstances of his death, that eerily tie-in to the legend of the curse of King Tut’s tomb.

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Lady Carnarvon audio interview Segment Three

For the final segment, host Jim Benson and Lady Carnarvon talk about another extraordinary real-life character in the book Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey–Alfred De Rothschild, the father of (for the time, deemed illegitimate) Almina. Lady Carnarvon also explores the history of Lady Almina’s post-war life, after the passing of the 5th Earl and Alfred De Rothschild, and how the war caused split loyalties among many Europeon families. In closing, The Countess of Carnarvon reflects upon the worldwide popularity of Downton Abbey, her stewardship of Highclere Castle, the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, and the legacy of Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon.

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