Harewood House & Estate

Historic country homes and sprawling estates in the UK have been the backdrop for numerous films and television dramas over the years. Among these, the iconic TV series “Downton Abbey” stands out, particularly for its use of picturesque locations to […]

Historic country homes and sprawling estates in the UK have been the backdrop for numerous films and television dramas over the years. Among these, the iconic TV series “Downton Abbey” stands out, particularly for its use of picturesque locations to depict the fictional world of the Crawley family. Harewood House & Estate, an impressive historic property in West Yorkshire, played a role in this popular drama series, showcasing the heritage and beauty of England’s great homes. This article delves into the splendor of Harewood House and its relationship with “Downton Abbey”.

Harewood House & Estate: A Brief Overview

Harewood House is one of England’s finest Georgian country homes, set amongst 1,000 acres of beautiful landscape. Built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, the house exhibits magnificent architecture, with interiors designed by Robert Adam, furnishings by Thomas Chippendale, and landscapes by Lancelot “Capability” Brown.

The house, a designated Grade I listed building, has been home to the Lascelles family for over two centuries. Over the years, it has welcomed guests ranging from royalty to artists, making it an essential chapter in Britain’s cultural tapestry.

Harewood and “Downton Abbey”

Although the primary filming location for “Downton Abbey” was Highclere Castle in Hampshire, Harewood House was used in the “Downton Abbey” film released in 2019. This wasn’t the first instance of the house appearing in the limelight; Harewood has featured in numerous other film and television projects due to its authentic Georgian design and stunning exteriors.

In the “Downton Abbey” film, Harewood House was transformed into the residence of Princess Mary, the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. It played a significant role in the film’s storyline, serving as the venue for a pivotal royal visit that brings both grandeur and chaos to the Crawley family and their staff.

Filming at Harewood added a layer of historical authenticity. The house, with its grand State Rooms, opulent detailing, and ornate ceilings, provided the ideal setting to recreate the splendor and formality of the royal world in the 1920s. Scenes were shot in various parts of the estate, capturing both the lavish interiors and the lush landscapes.

Harewood House Today

For fans of “Downton Abbey” and history enthusiasts alike, a visit to Harewood House offers a step back in time. The house, with its art collections, exquisite furniture, and pristine grounds, remains open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur firsthand. Post the film’s release, the house has seen an increase in tourism, with “Downton” enthusiasts flocking to see the location where the drama unfolded.

The collaboration between “Downton Abbey” and Harewood House & Estate is a testament to the timeless appeal of England’s historic homes. It demonstrates how art, architecture, and history can seamlessly merge, offering audiences a visually stunning and historically rich experience. While “Downton Abbey” may be fictional, its settings, like Harewood House, provide a real and tangible link to the past, ensuring that England’s storied heritage remains alive in the public imagination.