Secrets of the Manor House

For all of you who love watching Downton Abbey, I think you will like this series by PBS about these famous castles and what went on in them.  The first one: Highclere Castle,  premiered last week right before Downton Abbey.  The story line of DA follows somewhat closely to that of the true history of Highclere.  The show recounts the past and gives you a glimpse into the current families lives.  I found it very interesting.  

Highclere Castle

(Downton Abbey)

Hampton Court Palace

The next scheduled Manor House is that of King Henry VIII.  It should be quite fascinating, given the scandalous relationship with Anne Boleyn and the fact that Henry made Cardinal Woolsey give the Palace to him.  It is one of my favorite places to visit in London, it is beautiful.

Chatsworth Castle

Chatsworth Castle is the third house on the list and there are many books about The Duchess of  Devonshire and the weird relationship between herself, her best friend and her husband.  Her best friend (who later married the Duke, had two children with him while living with them as a guest of the Duchess).   I've never been to this Castle/Manor house before but it is now on my list. By the way, the Duchess of Devonshire that I'm talking about above, was a Spencer by birth.  

Althorp

(The Childhood Home of Princess Diana)
This is the Earl of Spencer's home and the final resting place of Princess Diana.  This should be interesting.

Below is PBS' description of the show from their website:

The enormous popularity of period costume dramas set in the English countryside has led to huge interest in the real-life stories of the amazing homes that dot the landscape and often serve as the settings for these lush productions. This new five-part series explores four of the best-known and most-storied homes in England, and provides a primer for  understanding the inner workings of the British manor houses in the early 20th century, revealing the gorgeous décor and furnishings of the homes as well as the incredibly rich history of their occupants. Secrets of Highclere Castle  Home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, this castle is best-known as the setting for the immensely popular drama Downton Abbey. Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace  Originally built for Henry VIII’s confidant, Cardinal Wolsey, this house is said to be haunted by the ghost of the executed Anne Boleyn. Secrets of Chatsworth  The seat of the Duke of Devonshire, and home to his family since Bess of Hardwick settled at Chatsworth in 1549. Secrets of Althorp - The Spencers  Childhood home of Princess Diana, this estate is the family seat of the Spencers.