Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle, Andover, and the Sgt. Dunn Novels

Life is filled with fun coincidences. Ever travel somewhere far from home only to meet someone who lives in the same city as you do? How could I know 15 years ago that my fictional Camp Barton Stacey would be just a few miles from Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle?

When I started researching the first Sgt. Dunn Novel, Operation Devil's Fire, I wanted to find a location for our U.S. Army Camp Barton Stacey that was not too far from London. Part of the research included finding a small city nearby and I selected Andover after examining several places. I emailed someone who lived there and received some historic background that I was able to sprinkle in the book. Camp Barton Stacey is stated as being about 2 miles northeast of Andover in the books.

Like many Americans, my wife and I are Downton Abbey fans and were excited when we learned a movie was in the making. About a month ago, we bought tickets for the opening day showing on September 20th. To celebrate our 47th anniversary (9/23 - Saunders' and Sadie's wedding date), we went to Red Lobster, had Walt's shrimp, and then went to the afternoon movie. We enjoyed it immensely.

Later that night I looked up where the Downton Abbey home is actually located. Highclere Castle, it turns out, is only about 10 miles northeast of downtown Andover. See map:

Here's the Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Here's the Star & Garter Hotel from the Sgt. Dunn books (1939)

Here's the Star & Garter Hotel in 2011

Picture taken by my friend and FIRST READER Steve Barltrop

It's now called the Danebury Hotel.

It still has the wrought iron and Doric columns on the entrance!