Christmas at Downton by Elizabeth Fellow

However, their visit to Wentworth Woodhouse took place years earlier than the film's setting of 1927 (it happened in 1912, the same year the events in the TV series began), and it was overshadowed by the Cadeby Main Colliery (coal mine) explosion on Jthat killed almost 100 people. Right: The monarchs are depicted in 1927 in the movie and are portrayed by Simon Jones and Geraldine James. Left: Queen Mary and King George V pictured in August 1926. While there, the King and Queen watched a performance by Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, filled up on a 13-course dinner, and enjoyed an extravagant ball (the movie concludes with a ball in honor of the King and Queen). Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has said that he largely based the royal visit in the film on King George and Queen Mary's July 8-12, 1912 visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, the largest private residence in the United Kingdom and one of the largest estates in Europe. The royals depicted in the Downton Abbey movie, King George V and Queen Mary, would also spend time at countryside estates, often so that the King could go hunting. However, in the early 1900s, King Edward VII would attend weekend house parties and stay overnight in his hosts' homes, often bringing his mistress. Over time, such visits became less frequent due to their costliness. For example, in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I would embark on tours around the countryside known as the royal progress.

Throughout history, there are records of British monarchs visiting the country estates of aristocratic families. You close your book and hurriedly write a reply.Would King George V and Queen Mary really stay overnight at estates like Downton Abbey? You’re eager to see for yourself if all the stories you have heard about the grandeur of Downton life are true!

You knew you were going before you even read the details! Dinner is at 8PM, naturally, and there’s no way you won’t be there. The moment he leaves the room, you tear the envelope open. Your heart is racing, but you don’t let your excitement show you’re much too refined for that! He sets the tray down on the table and you immediately recognize the Grantham seal. “An invitation from Downton Abbey M’Lady” He carries silver tray, bearing a large sealed envelope. The door to the drawing room opens, and in walks the family butler, James.

You’re curled up on the sofa, reading happily as you bask in the late morning sunshine.

Christmas at Downton by Elizabeth Fellow