Is Downton Abbey a real place?

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

The titular estate of the historical drama Downton Abbey is not a real place. However, the show and the movies were filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. It is a genuine country house and currently the home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. The manor house was built in the early 17th century and extensively remodeled in the mid-19th century. Although Downton Abbey is not a real place, certain factual details of Highclere Castle’s history were incorporated into the show, such as the use of the mansion for the care of World War I casualties.