Downton Abbey Bans Dogs on Set? Rumor Is All Bark and No Bite, Estate Says

E.

by Alexis L. Loinaz

Has Downton Abbey gone to the dogs?

Sure, the hit British series' opening credits famously show a gorgeous Labrador prancing across the castle's verdant grounds. But, if local media reports are to be believed, the estate's real-life owners may not be feeling too friendly toward man's best friend.

The Daily Mail is claiming that the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who own the magnificent Highclere Castle in Newbury, where Downton Abbey is filmed, have banned the show's cast members from bringing their dogs with them on set.

A source reportedly told the paper that Lady Carnarvon clamped down on furry visitors "because she doesn't like the dogs going in certain areas in case they cause a mess."

The source also claimed that one of the countess' Labradors—she has five dogs of her own—gets "jealous when rival dogs are on set." (Apparently, bitchy behavior spills well beyond the prickly Dowager Countess. Woof!)

The estate's honchos, however, insist that the reports couldn't be farther from the truth.

"There is no ban from us," the Carnarvors' spokeswoman tells Today.com.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.eonline.com/news/451004/downton-abbey-bans-dogs-on-set-rumor-is-all-bark-and-no-bite-estate-says

Downton Abbey signed T-shirt up for grabs at Highclere Castle on Sunday 12:05pm Wednesday 4th April 2012 (BASINGSTOKE GAZETTE)

A T-SHIRT signed by the Downton Abbey cast and crew will be raffled in aid of Naomi House during an Easter Egg Hunt at Highclere Castle on Sunday.

 Lord and Lady Carnarvon are opening the grounds of the castle to families with an egg-citing adventure trail with an Easter egg at the end for each child (or grown up) who enters.

 The day’s event will cater for all the family including Dad, with The Ferrari Club bringing 15 of their prize vehicles to put on display for visitors.

The impressive facade of Highclere Castle will also be the perfect backdrop for a falconry display and other entertainment in the arena. There will be rides and games, hot food and sweets and a petting farm with young lambs and chickens as well as an Easter Bonnet parade with prizes for all who enter, judged by The Countess of Carnarvon and a special guest.


READ MORE: http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/leisure/general/9631156.Downton_Abbey_signed_T_shirt_up_for_grabs_at_Highclere_Castle_on_Sunday/