Share

Downton Abbey banned from staging fire at Highclere Castle due to alleged curse


Los Angeles - Downton Abbey producers were banned from staging a fire at Highclere Castle.

The production crew on the hit ITV period drama were planning to shoot scenes from the upcoming fifth series at the historical property in Hampshire - which acts as Downton Abbey in the programme - but the owners stopped filming from going ahead due to a supposed curse.

The opening episode of the new series - which is set to air later this month - sees the mansion engulfed in flames but owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon forced the stunt to be moved to the studio due to the building's unfortunate history with fires.

Lady Carnarvon explained on her website: "We had obviously been aware of this storyline when they were filming it here, and careful with what we could achieve here and what could be achieved at Ealing studios, as Highclere Castle has suffered enough of its own fires."


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE