I have just finished reading the story of Lady Almina, the Countess of Carnarvon, who lived in the ‘real’ Downton Abbey. That is to say, Highclere. Fascinating read, and a great window in to bygone times. She was one of the original so called ‘Buccaneers’, a name coined for wealthy American girls who married into titled families in England. Google Edith Wharton – The Buccaneers for another book, by the same name.
The illegitimate child of a Rothschild, she went on to inherit his fabulous wealth, which enabled her to live an extraordinary life. From hosting three day parties that cost in the region of £300,000 in todays money, to setting up a hospital for soldiers injured in the First World War, it is an extraordinary account of Almina’s life. The Fifth Earl of Grantham is perhaps best known for his part in the excavation of King Tutankhamun.
The book is available to buy at Amazon, or Adlibris here is Sweden. (English version)
A review of this book by The Guardian can be read here. It also features a link to another book by William Cross, which gives a rather contrasting view on her life.
If you are taking a trip to England, a day trip to Highclere might be in order!
Highclere är öppet för besökare. Vill du se Highclere med egna ögon? Slottet ligger på dagsutlfyktsavstånd från London, och nu är det möjligt att förbeställ biljetter och se öppettider
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