Secrets of the Manor House: Secrets of Highclere Castle

Movie Title-- Secrets of the Manor House:  Secrets of Highclere Castle

Release Year--  2013

Running Time--  54 Minutes

Director--  Vicky Matthews

Cast--  Samuel West

The story and secrets of Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, home to Earl and Countess Carnarvon.

This film is a documnetary about Highclere Castle, lived in and owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679.  This documentary follows George and Fiona Carnarvon, the current Earl and Countess of the estate, through a tour of what has become a world famous estate.  They talk about the history of the Carnarvon family, the details of the estate and the plans to keep Highclere a working and well established Manor Home.

I was really dreading doing a documentary, I just felt like I wasn't quite ready to spend a few hours watching something potientally educational.  I picked this because it was very short and it seemed like it could be interesting.  I do have to say that it was pretty interesting although at times it could get a feel a little dry and at a few points it even seemed a little slow but overall it was worth the watch.  There are really only two things that I want to point out in this film.

Number 1--If you ever passed a history class, you should recoginze the Earl and Countess' last name; Carnarvon.  Yes, the current Earl of Highclere Castle is the great grandson of Lord Carnarvon; the man that funded the expedition that uncovered King Tutankhumun's tomb.  They say in the film that after the current Earl's grandfather died, his father and their butler went through one of the previously untouched rooms and found real Egyptian treasure hidden in the walls.

Number 2--This is the current filming location of "Downton Abbey".  If you have never heard of Downton Abbey, it is a great series that airs on PBS here in America.  If you have heard of Downton Abbey and don't watch, I highly recommend it, I think that the series is just awesome.

Those two reasons alone are the best reasons to watch this documentary, not to mention all the history this beautiful estate home has.  I think that if you are looking for something short and educational, this is a good one to pick up.  Go learn something new today and Don't Forget the Popcorn!