Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey

The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle

By: The Countess of Carnarvon

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Audie Award Nominee, Biography and Memoir, 2013

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey tells the story behind Highclere Castle, the real-life inspiration and setting for Julian Fellowes's Emmy Award-winning PBS series, and the life of one of its most famous inhabitants: Lady Almina, the fifth Countess of Carnarvon.

Drawing on a rich store of materials from the archives of Highclere Castle, including diaries, letters, and photographs, the current Lady Carnarvon has written a transporting story of this fabled home on the brink of war. Much like her Masterpiece Classic counterpart Lady Cora Crawley, Lady Almina was the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, Alfred de Rothschild, who married his daughter off at a young age, her dowry serving as the crucial link in the effort to preserve the Earl of Carnarvon's ancestral home. Throwing open the doors of Highclere Castle to tend to the wounded of World War I, Lady Almina distinguished herself as a brave and remarkable woman.

This rich tale contrasts the splendor of Edwardian life in a great house against the backdrop of the First World War and offers an inspiring and revealing picture of the woman at the center of the history of Highclere Castle.

©2011 Countess of Carnarvon (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Gives the juicy back story behind last year's Emmy-winning Masterpiece Theater drama." ( The New York Times)

"If you can’t wait for the new season of Downton Abbey... this one's for you.... a revealing portrait of the changing times." ( New York Post)

"The present Lady Carnarvon, who tapped the family archives for her comprehensive research, dramatically captures the estate during the pre-war and war years, and paints a compelling... portrait of Lady Almina." ( Newark Star-Ledger)

"Wanda McCaddon invites listeners into the Countess of Carnarvon’s breezy book, which blends a wealth of archival letters, diaries, and photographs. McCaddon sweeps through the transitions between the downstairs servants and the socially elite, details of furniture and costumes, as well as the changes that come with WWI." ( AudioFile)

Interesting and surprisingly moving biography

This isn't heavy duty historical narrative by any means, but I was pleasantly surprised by the detail and depth of the writing in this biography of Lady Almina. The story, especially the years covering the Great War, consistently engaged my interest. I like historical biography and learned things in this account that were new and valuable in understanding British social change in the twentieth century, as well as the almost inconceivable degree of suffering for those caught up in armed conflict. The Countess of Carnarvon has an obvious personal interest in the subject matter and has done admirable work with her well documented source material. And as always, Wanda McCaddon (aka Nadia May) provides impeccable narration. She is, in my opinion, simply the best narrator in the English speaking world. This woman could read the phone book and I would rush to sign up for a chance to listen.

It was ok

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was just ok. I learned a few facts that I had not known before.

Would you be willing to try another book from The Countess of Carnarvon? Why or why not?

No...rather dry

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes

Did Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey inspire you to do anything?

No

an educational companion to Downton Abbey

it's an educational companion in Downton Abbey. about one of the mistrises who ran it during world war 1. will give you an insight to the time period.

The best book I ever read

The real Stuart aka the Butler is the the inspiration for my favorite downton abbey Butler mr Carson and the history of the family best recommended read for any Downton Abbey fan

history of the castle

all the people mentioned were hard to keep track of and a little boring. Mostly just enjoyed the history

Interesting and quick

An interesting look into the real "Downton Abbey," Highclere Castle. A light and quick read, but a little confusing as it jumps from idea to idea.

Also, the narrator talks too quickly.

I bet it's better than the TV show

Historical books set in Great Britain, in particular early 20th century, are just my cup of tea. My son and his wife keep pushing me to watch Downton Abbey, but my husband and I just don't do much TV, so this book was an obvious choice. It did NOT disappoint.

While I have read many books based around WWII events, this is the first that covered WWI and, I must say, it was surprising to me that I had not looked at this era in more depth - but now I intend to. Lady Almina was a remarkable woman, as were most of her "supporting characters", in particular her longsuffering husband, George, Earl of Carnarvon. The people in this era were so much more accomplished and diligent, to say nothing of educated, than we are today. It puts me to shame, but also encourages me to learn and do more.

Wanda McCaddon is my favorite narrator of books in need of a British accent, and she was superb in the "Real Downton Abbey". I could hardly quit listening and was sorry when it ended.

Terrific Read

By turns fanciful and frightening, the story leaves you balancing the charms and lux life of Almina against the backdrop of lavish living edged by the horrors of war. One never knows whether to be a appalled by her incredible spending or enthralled by her commitment to her country to her family.
It's Downton Abbey unvarnished along with a dollop of the documentary High Clere Castle( on Amazon instant video) to make a very satisfying read

A charming and informative insight into the era

Well written, both intimate and grand. A good listen for those interested in British manners and history.

Absolutely Delightful!

This is simply a fun listen! A bit of history, privilege, wartime and real people tied up in touchstone of popular culture.
I am a great "Downton Abbey" fan, and I learned how much that 'fictional' program is inspired by real stories of real people.
The narrator is excellent, and although this isn't fiction, it reads like a novel. I didn't want it to end, but it's all good.