Watch Secrets of Highclere Castle

In 2013, PBS released a three-part documentary series titled "Secrets of Highclere Castle" hosted by actor Samuel West. This series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of England's most magnificent estates, Highclere Castle. The Castle, best known to the public as the filming location for the popular British period drama "Downton Abbey," is steeped in fascinating history and retains an air of glamour, wealth, and aristocratic mystery. But beyond its impressive facade lies a complex web of secrets, intrigues, and surprises that have remained hidden from the public eye until now.

In each episode, Samuel West takes audiences on a journey through the past and present of this iconic estate. The show features exclusive interviews with Highclere Castle's current owners, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who reveal a wealth of stories about the castle's illustrious history, its noteworthy inhabitants, and its stunning collection of art, furniture, and antiques.

One of the most captivating elements of the show is the focus on the castle's connection to the British aristocracy and its role in shaping British society over the centuries. West and the Carnarvons delve into the lives of some of Highclere's most famous inhabitants, including the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt in 1922, and Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon, who transformed the castle into a hospital during World War I.

The show also covers the intriguing stories of some lesser-known residents, from the estate's ghostly apparitions to personal stories of love, lust, and deception. For instance, viewers learn about the scandalous affair between Lord Porchester and his mistress, and the tragic death of the Castle's librarian, Edwardian scholar Harold Peake.

Beyond the human drama, the series offers viewers an intimate tour of the Castle itself. From the breathtaking rooms of the main house, including the iconic library and drawing-room, to its expansive gardens, the show's cinematography beautifully showcases the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of Highclere. Through these visuals, viewers can get a sense of what it would be like to reside within the walls of a true British aristocratic home.

"Secrets of Highclere Castle" is not just a history lesson, but a glimpse of the intricacies of British society and politics over the centuries. We learn how the fortunes of the aristocracy waxed and waned at various times and how they were intertwined with events such as the sinking of the Titanic and World War I.

Overall, "Secrets of Highclere Castle" is an engaging, intimate, and informative documentary series that will captivate any Anglophile or history lover. The series provides a unique look at one of England's most iconic homes and its place in British history. Through a blend of interviews, personal anecdotes, and breathtaking cinematography, viewers are given access to the secrets and stories of Highclere Castle that have remained hidden for generations.

Secrets of Highclere Castle is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on January 6, 2013.