Quiet Day at Highclere Castle

Fortunately the weather was kind to us today; as we had tickets booked for a visit to Highclere Castle - the home of Downton Abbey.

Although we had never watched an episode we really enjoyed the tour around the castle itself, as well as the grounds.  I had not appreciated that the caste was used for the internal shots as well as the external ones.  

Also, although I knew the caste was the seat of the Carnarvon Family; I was in the Egyptian Exhibition before I had the lightbulb moment and went 'Oh! THAT Lord Carnarvon!' - of Howard Carter and the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb fame.

We also appreciated the carving of The Airman (extra photo).  During the six years of the Second World War a total of eight planes crashed on the Highclere Estate.  Bad weather and poor visibility coupled with a challenging terrain near one of Hampshire’s largest hills (Siddown Hill) sadly led to many young men losing their lives.  It was a fitting tribute.