It's back -
Downton Abbey. Apart from the joy of watching the first episode of the new series this past weekend it was also wonderful to welcome back to the small screen the other star of the show- the glorious Victorian country house,
Highclere Castle.
With its stunning
Bath stone exterior the Castle has been the seat of the Earls of Carnarvon for over 300 years and is steeped in history dating back to the English Civil War.
Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book. The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.