ROSEMARY HARRIS: I'll admit it. I gave a little yelp of delight as our car continued up the long driveway and I caught my first in the flesh look at Highclere Castle, the stately home that is used in the PBS series Downton Abbey. I swear I heard the theme song and expected to see the white dog (Isis) wiggling her way to Lord Grantham's side.Let me explain. Unexpectedly, my husband needed to go to London for the London Book Fair. I've been to London many times and had no legitimate reason to go - in fact I should have stayed home to cathc up on the tons of work which I still haven't caught up on. And that includes everything from writing to getting the window in my bathroom (which hasn't closed properly for 15 years) fixed. And then there was the sheer joy - sorry honey - of having some time alone. With no one to talk to but the dog. These days that's a real treat for me.
But Downton Abbey's second season had just ended. And on a flight to Dubai in February I watched the entire season again. How would I last until next January when season three is to start? I ordered three books from Amazon including Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey which I enjoyed immensely. There were pictures of Highclere. There really was a Bates (although not a valet.) The lady of the manor really did turn her home into a hospital during WW1. I googled the home. Yes! They did give tours and they were less than 2 hours outside of London. I could take a day trip.
But they were sold out for the day we arrived. And I couldn't leave earlier because mof a work commitment. And that was the last day until June when the house would be open to the public. I emailed four times. No ticket brokers. No packages. No hotel packages. No waiting lists. I was as plucky and as optimistic as one could be in an email. I dropped "the London Book Fair" as if to suggest I was the more famous Rosemary Harris. To no avail. I reported each failure to my husband
And then he surprised me. "I got the tickets. Do you want the house, the gardens and the Egyptian exhibit?"
I was flabbergasted. It wasn't clout or a close personal relationship with Prince William.
He emailed the director with the subject line "A Husband's Plea." He told them it was our anniversary - actually it was the 29th - and all I wanted was to see the place where Downton Abbey was shot. And they said yes! And the director sent us a lovely email saying that they hoped it would make beautiful memories for our celebration!
If you love the show, you will love a visit - I can't wait to go back.
In keeping with the post-WWI time period, today we are giving away a copy of A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd.
He's a keeper, for sure. I only write letters like that for myself.
ReplyDeleteWhooo Hoooo!! What a guy!!
ReplyDeleteI now have to find time to watch that program. How beautiful. I am also going to look up the book you spoke of.
ReplyDeleteOh yes the hub - what can I say - "you've all done very well" - will have to do. Dee
You lucky dog! For both getting inside and for having a determined husband.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! And what a lovely thing for the director to do, in response to the lovely thing your husband did. I hope the team of white-haired docents don't track you down for being naughty and taking photos inside!
ReplyDeleteI miss Downton. I need to read the Lady Almina book to get a fix, and to find out about the real Bates.
What a doll your husband is!
ReplyDeleteWait? There's a more famous Rosemary Harris? Surely not. :-)
What fun Ro--love the pix! We got a late start on watching, so we are two episodes from the end of season two. They sure know how to tell a story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous surprise for you! And the pictures are lovely, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo jealous! What a fabulous treat! I have seen many "Free Mr. Bates" bumper stickers around town and know I am not the only one waiting for next season. Off to put up some water for a strong pot of tea...
ReplyDeleteFree Mr. Bates?? i want one1 I have seen a Carson t-shirt offered online. Did you know the actor who plays Carson is married to the actress Imelda Stanton? And he was terrific in the movie Brassed Off.
ReplyDeleteI'm SOOOOO jealous!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, thoughtful thing for your hubby to do. I've never seen Downton Abbey, but I may have to since reading your post.
ReplyDeleteOh, that Bruce! He's amazing. (And yes, Karen in Ohio, surely not...)
ReplyDeleteWhat I always wondered--if the house was that big, why'd they have to put the wounded soldiers in the living room and library? Surely there was room elsewhere that wouldn't have been so disruptive.
What a great husband, Ro! You know how to pick them. And how kind of them to respond to his plea in such a generous way.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous, jealous, jealous!
I'm with Deb -
ReplyDeleteJealous on just so many levels.
Hank, the house is enormous, I can only imagine that the narrow staricases and distance from the kitchen made it more logical to try to keep them on the first floor. Standing in the library gave me the chills - but I couldn't take a pic because there was an intrepid volunteer there and I didn't want to get kicked out!
ReplyDeleteHank, it's TV!!
ReplyDeleteLaura, you must watch--I am a late convert and totally hooked.
Hank, exactly what I wondered. With 100 bedrooms couldn't they have given the poor chaps some privacy?
ReplyDeleteI'm planning a visit myself this summer, also a visit to Harry Potter's movie set. how touristy can you get?
And tomorrow I'm posting on Rhys's Pieces about the impossibility of Matthew's sudden walking again, now that I know what it's like.
Great husband, and breathtaking pictures. It's really there,Isn't it! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteRo! What a wonder of a man your husband is... um could I borrow him for a second? You know... just to write a teensy email?
ReplyDeleteRhys, I studied theology at Christ Church just to live at "Hogwarts." Students at Harvard have started a FB group called "Harvard = Hogwarts; or, I Came to Harvard Because Annenberg Looks Like Harry Potter's Great Hall." Of course I joined.
WOW Rosemary, what a treat, and yes, he's a keeper !!! So is the person who granted your hubby's plea.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen Downton Abbey as our PBS doesn't run it. I will have to get the DVD's one day and watch as you all make it sound wonderful.
So happy for you that your wish was granted !!
hugs
Mar
To repeat what Jan said, "Jealous on so many levels!"
ReplyDeleteI'm a late convert too, in fact, I did NOT watch the last episode (have it on amazon) because I didn't want it to end...and this way, I know there is one still out there for me. How twisted is that???
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ReplyDeleteGee, Rosemary, he'll probably never be able to top this year's anniversary present!
ReplyDeleteI don't currently have TV, so I have not been watching Downton Abbey. However, when I stayed at a sister's house for Easter, she and my niece insisted that I should watch the DVDs - they have both seasons on DVD. After about five minutes,I knew that I "needed" to put the DVDs on my shopping list. This past weekend I was browsing at Barnes and Noble and saw the Downton DVDs. I decided (in about two seconds) to buy Season One. What a pleasant surprise when it turned out to be on sale! Last night I watched Part One and all the Special Features. I got to bed way too late, because I started watching later in the evening. I felt like a zombie at work today. If I were not so exhausted right now, I would continue watching tonight. I'm going to save it for when I am fully conscious; meanwhile, I miss the characters already! You KNOW I will buy Season Two as soon as I can!
I am so jealous! I love Downton Abbey. What an amazing home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great surprise! He is definitely a keeper.
ReplyDeletepps...I love the line that you're more famous.