Downton Abbey centers on the Crawley family and those who love the show have often wondered if they’re based on real people.

Period drama Downton Abbey has had fans attached to the daily lives of the Crawleys during its run and with such a historical feel to the show, has left many wondering whether they are based on a real family or not. First airing in 2010, the show begins in 1912, focusing on the titular, grand stately home, which houses the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. As the family tries to keep their poise and class, persistent dramatic narratives pull down the family’s ‘all is well’ facade. Relationship scandals, death, and sheer sadness interrupt their seemingly perfect lives of luxury.

The timeline of Downton Abbey spans 16 years, and during that time Britain went through changes ranging from fashion to significant historical events. Director Julian Fellowes explained how he felt it was vital the series stay as historically accurate as possible (Via abc News). While he was successful in keeping to the facts for the most part, artistic license allowed for scenes that weren’t entirely correct or based on truth. Nevertheless, both the series and the movies have received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations including Best Series at the Golden Globes, indicating there were many aspects worthy of recognition.

The Crawleys Are Not A Real Family, But Are Based On The Carnavons

In short, the Crawley family isn’t real, but they are based on the Carnavons who reside at Highclere Castle, otherwise known as the real Downton Abbey. The impressive property was bought in 1679 by Sir Robert Sawyer, a direct ancestor of the Carnavons. Later, his nephew Henry Herbert, a minor character from The Crown, inherited Highclere Castle. However, it was in 1842 that the estate underwent its biggest renovations, producing the Highclere Castle that stands today. Now, the owners are George Herbert and his wife Fiona, known as the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnavon, or Lord and Lady Carnavon.

Lady Carnavon has explained how today’s life at Highclere Castle is somewhat different from the portrayal of life at Downton Abbey (Via Discover Britain). Although there are staff members who maintain the high standards seen in the program and with the same titles as those from the show, such as “Head Butler,” people are hired to manage tours open to the public and even their own brand of gin. As with the rest of the world, technology has played a part in adding to what the staff may need to do, which of course, wasn’t needed in the early 1900s.

Historical Figures In Downton Abbey Are Real

The King’s visit in the Downton Abbey movie was based on truth as the real historical figures, King George and Queen Mary, really did visit Yorkshire to show the King’s willingness to be connected to the public, while staying at Wentworth House. However, they aren’t the only ones that can be identified as real people from the series and movies. Neville Chamberlain appears in season 6, but his appearance comes before he became Prime Minister, which Mrs. Patmore predicts. Further historical figures include Australian operatic soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, renowned British writer, Virginia Woolf, and even the Duke of York.

Many of the storylines are fictional, like Violet’s secret in Downton Abbey: A New Era, but as well as real historical figures, Downton Abbey depicted factual major events, often dictating the narrative. The series opens with news of the Titanic sinking, killing the heir to the Crawley estate. World War 1 is heavily featured in season 2, with characters stepping up to fight. Via the use of British history, Fellowes followed through with his aim to tread as closely to the facts as possible. The Crawley’s may not be real, but Downton Abbey gives a great understanding of the period.