15 Trivia Facts About Downton Abbey That Will Impress Your Friends

Set in early 20th-century England, Downton Abbey captivated audiences with its intriguing characters, intricate plotlines, and stunning production design. Millions of viewers became enamored with the Crawley family and their dedicated servants. But the series holds even more depth, and the next slides will reveal surprising details that many loyal fans may not know.

Inspiration from American Television

Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, drew inspiration from popular American series like “E.R.” and “Chicago Hope.” These shows’ ability to intertwine multiple storylines at once greatly influenced the structure of the British drama, which also follows numerous characters simultaneously.

Servants’ Quarters Were Not Filmed at Highclere

Scenes depicting the servants’ quarters in Downton Abbey were not shot at Highclere Castle. Due to the castle’s modernization, these areas were recreated on a soundstage in London, which offered greater control over the production and maintained the authenticity of the setting for that period.

Laura Carmichael’s Surprising Start

Before becoming Lady Edith, Laura Carmichael worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. She studied acting at Bristol Old Vic and worked between theatre productions. Her life changed when she auditioned for the role, never expecting that it would lead to a pivotal position in a globally beloved television series.

Almost Turning Down the Role of Edith

Carmichael initially considered declining the role of Lady Edith to perform as Viola in a Shakespeare production called Twelfth Night. She underestimated the size of the role in Downton Abbey, assuming it would be a minor part with a few lines and little impact on her acting career.

Massive Global Popularity

By 2013, Downton Abbey became PBS’s highest-rated show of all time. It attracted 120 million viewers from 200 countries and regions, which made the show a global phenomenon. This widespread popularity secured its place as one of the most successful dramas in television history.

Highclere Castle Hosts Multiple Productions

While Downton Abbey was filmed extensively at Highclere Castle, it wasn’t the only production to utilize this famous location. The estate also featured in movies like “Eyes Wide Shut,” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” which shows its versatility in both period and contemporary films.

Costly Production

Each episode of Downton Abbey cost around £1 million ($1.5 million) to produce, a significant sum for a television series. This expense reflects the attention to period detail, such as period costumes, settings, props, and old technology, necessary to immerse viewers in the early 20th century.

The Queen’s Fascination

Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of Downton Abbey and enjoyed spotting historical inaccuracies. One such error involved a British officer wearing medals from World War II during a scene set in World War I, something she quickly noticed. This was revealed by Brian Hoey who is the author of At Home with the Queen.

Gillian Anderson Declined a Role

Actress Gillian Anderson (X-Files and Hannibal) was approached for the role of Cora Crawley but declined the offer. The part eventually went to Elizabeth McGovern, whose portrayal became a central component of the series’ success, as her character blended both American and British cultural influences.

Highclere Castle as a Hospital

During World War I, Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed, was used as a recovery hospital for soldiers. The 5th Countess of Carnarvon was the person who turned the castle into a care center. This real-life history was integrated into the second season of the show and added historical authenticity to the plotlines.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Attempt to Buy Highclere

In 2010, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera and Cats) attempted to purchase Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was predominantly filmed, to house his art collection. His offer was politely declined by the Carnarvon family, who own and reside in the estate.

No-Wash Costume Policy

For authenticity, some costumes on Downton Abbey weren’t washed. Sophie McShera (Daisy) revealed that armpit patches were sewn into the costumes to absorb sweat, while the rest of the garment remained unwashed to preserve the look of the period. As a result, cast members began to smell bad.

A Record Number of Emmy Nominations

Downton Abbey received 69 Emmy nominations, setting a record for non-U.S. productions. It won 15 Emmys, further earning its place as one of the most critically acclaimed series worldwide, praised for both its writing and performances. It even became a smash hit in countries like Russia.

Highclere Castle is Available for Events

Highclere Castle isn’t simply for movie sets and famous people. Others have the opportunity to rent the castle for special events like weddings, parties, and even corporate events. It occasionally operates as a hotel, offering fans a chance to stay at the real-life location of the beloved series.

The Dog of Downton Abbey

Isis, the dog in Downton Abbey, was not written off because of her name. Despite speculation that the Labrador’s departure in season five was linked to the rise of the group ISIS, actor Hugh Bonneville clarified the situation. The dog’s name followed the series’ Egyptian theme, a tribute to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.