
As the 1920s moved to a close, Catherine's adored brother died and she began to lose her husband to the distractions London had to offer. They were immediately faced with the task of saving Highclere when debts threatened to destroy the estate. Although the couple were very much in love, considerable challenges lay ahead for Catherine. But less than a year later Porchey's father died suddenly, and he became the 6th Earl of Carnarvon, inheriting a title and a Castle that changed both their lives forever.Ĭatherine found herself suddenly in charge of a small army of household staff, and hosting lavish banquets and weekend house parties. She had already turned down 14 proposals before she eventually married Porchey in 1922. This book tells the story of Lady Catherine, a beautiful American girl who became the chatelaine of Highclere Castle, the setting for Julian Fellowes' award-winning drama Downton Abbey.Ĭharming and charismatic, Catherine caught the eye of Lord Porchester (or 'Porchey', as he was known) when she was just 20 years old, and wearing a pale yellow dress at a ball. Sometimes the facts are even more extraordinary than the fiction.

The follow-up to the international bestseller Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, this book moves the story into the 1920s, and focuses on the remarkable American heiress who came to reign at Highclere Castle. a compelling portrait' Publisher's Weekly 'An excellent depiction of English aristocratic life.

**Explore the fascinating history of the real Downton Abbey as the Crawley family saga makes its way on to the big screen with Downton Abbey, the major motion picture**
