Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, library volunteer
Genre: Nonfiction / biography
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: This highly engaging book chronicles the remarkable life of Almina Wombwell. Upon her sumptuous June 1895 marriage to George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, Almina, a pretty woman of “somewhat dubious social standing,” became Countess of Carnarvon. The young couple take up residence at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England – now famously known for being the residence of Downton Abbey fame. On paper, Almina was the daughter of a French mother and a British Army officer. In reality, she was generally acknowledged to be the biological child of her mother and fabulously wealthy banker Alfred de Rothschild. Bankrolled by her generous father, Almina brought much needed money to the marriage with Carnarvon, and this funding allowed Almina to turn Highclere Castle into a hospital for wounded officers during World War I. Almina’s and George’s fabulous lifestyle included regular winter visits to Egypt to pursue his archaeological interests, a pursuit interrupted by the war. When archaeological digs were resumed after the war’s end, George funded one last dig, which located the famous, nearly intact tomb of Tutankhamun.
My Review: This work of nonfiction is aptly subtitled The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle. Meticulously researched and filled with interesting details, author Fiona Aitken, wife of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, brings this legacy of Highclere Castle’s residents, lifestyles, and historical events to life. As a reader, I was drawn into learning about a life of almost unimaginable wealth, and I was reluctant to put the book down! Knowing that these are real people who led remarkable lives made the book even more interesting. The characters, many of whom are the author’s relatives by marriage, are lovingly but pragmatically depicted. A highly recommended read!
Three Words That Describe This Book: elegant, historical, factual
Give This a Try if You Like… World War I, history, or Downton Abbey
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
