The Vanderbilt family, an American family that gained prominence during the Gilded Age, was known for their shipping and railroad empires. They expanded into various industries and philanthropy, with Cornelius Vanderbilt being the founder of the family. Gloria Laura Vanderbilt, the daughter of Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, became the subject of headlines in 1934 due to a custody battle between her mother and her aunt.
The Vanderbilts were the epitome of the American Dream for over a century. However, after a series of bitter divorces, poor financial decisions, and high-profile fallouts, the world’s richest family came off the rails. The Vanderbilts’ fortune was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was known as the Commodore, and his wife Conseulo Vanderbilt.
The Vanderbilts’ descendants, including Cornelius’s grandson William Kissam Vanderbilt and his first wife Alva Vanderbilt, ran the family’s railroad investments after his death in 1868. In 1895, George Vanderbilt invited friends and family into his opulent new home for the first time, visiting Asheville, North Carolina. Today, Biltmore remains a family business, with the fourth and fifth generations of George Vanderbilt’s descendants involved in day-to-day operations.
Edith Vanderbilt grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, where Downton Abbey’s Cora Crawley also has ties. The fictional drama unfolding between Lord and Lady Grantham, their daughters, and their staff overlaps the time when George and Edith Vanderbilt lived. The Crawleys are related to the Levinson family through Robert’s marriage to Cora and are also distantly related to the MacClare family. Lady Cora was the first character to come to life for Fellowes and is based on Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon.
As sole heir to the Crawley estate and the title Lord Grantham, George Vanderbilt and his family lived on this estate during the same time period as the Crawley family portrayed in “Downton Abbey”. The Gilded Age premiere will focus on a nouveaux riches family in New York, derived in many respects from the Vanderbilt family, as the Crawley family faces a crisis over aristocratic inheritance and succession.
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| Who are the Crawley’s based on? : r/DowntonAbbey | The Crawley’s are a fictional family, but has anyone seen any similarities between the Crawley’s or Downton plot lines and real-life aristocratic families or … | reddit.com |
| Biltmore vs. “Downton Abbey” – Notice any similarities? | The fictional drama unfolding between Lord and Lady Grantham, their daughters and their staff overlaps the time when George and Edith Vanderbilt lived in … | biltmore.com |
| Who inspired Downton Abbey’s American heiress characters | It is said that Lady Cora was the first character to come to life for Fellowes and that she is based on Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon. | tatler.com |
📹 The Real Downton Abbey
The popular PBS series “Downton Abbey” has taken the U.S. by storm. But there’s a real story behind the castle where the TV …
Which Vanderbilts Live At Biltmore?
George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in Paris and, after a honeymoon in Italy, returned to live at Biltmore. The house opened to friends and family on Christmas Eve, 1895. Vanderbilt, once America’s most eligible bachelor, found companionship after proposing to Edith on April 28, 1898. They established their family home at Biltmore, which later became a legacy of philanthropy, especially through Edith, who managed to sell about 87, 000 acres of the estate.
Today, the Biltmore Estate is a popular tourist destination with two hotels. George loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, building a summer home in Asheville. Biltmore House remains the centerpiece of his legacy, a result of collaborative vision among Vanderbilt, architect Richard Morris Hunt, and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. The mansion, a Gilded Age architectural marvel spanning over 178, 000 sq. ft.
and set on 8, 000 acres, is still family-owned, with Bill Cecil Jr., George's great-grandson, acting as CEO. Generations of Vanderbilts, including Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt, have called Biltmore home, preserving its significance in American history.
Who Is Lord Grantham'S Illegitimate Child In Downton Abbey?
Cora’s long-term revenge plot against her husband involves the revelation that Thomas is the illegitimate son of O'Brien and Lord Grantham, thus making him the rightful heir to the estate. Lord Grantham has no male heirs to inherit, meaning that upon his death, the estate will pass to his cousin James Crawley, whose son Patrick is set to marry Mary, keeping the estate within the Crawley family. Meanwhile, Lady Rosamund Painswick acquires information regarding Lavinia.
Despite conflicting reports about Thomas Barrow's parentage, sources suggest he is an illegitimate child of O'Brien and Robert Crawley, the 7th Earl of Grantham. Additionally, there are hints at other illegitimate connections, such as Joseph Charmichael's resemblance to Lord Grantham. Throughout the narrative, family ties are explored, including the legitimacy of children like Marigold, the secret daughter of Michael Gregson and Lady Edith Pelham.
Furthermore, speculation arises regarding whether Lord Grantham himself might be illegitimate, tied to a possible affair involving a French aristocrat. While the mysteries surrounding paternity and family heritage create dramatic tension, there remains a distinction between established lineage and those whispered relationships that may lie hidden in the Crawley family history.
Who Are The Vanderbilt Family?
The Vanderbilt family, rooted in the early 19th century with Cornelius Vanderbilt, amassed great wealth through shipping and railroad ventures, establishing themselves as one of America’s most prominent families during the Gilded Age. Renowned figures among their contemporary descendants include journalist Anderson Cooper, actor Timothy Olyphant, and musician John P. Hammond. The family’s opulent lifestyle was marked by grand mansions and significant social status.
Cornelius Vanderbilt began his journey with a modest loan to pilot a passenger boat on Staten Island and grew to control a vast railroad empire. Despite once being considered the richest family in the world, the Vanderbilt fortune has diminished over generations. Prominent family members have played influential roles in various sectors, reflecting the family’s legacy. The third generation, led by William Henry Vanderbilt’s sons, managed the family’s wealth, while the fourth generation saw notable figures such as Reginald "Reggie" Claypool Vanderbilt and George Vanderbilt. Overall, the Vanderbilt name remains synonymous with American history and wealth, embodying a unique narrative of rise and decline.
Who Are The Crawley Family?
The Crawley family, central to the fictional series "Downton Abbey," is a prominent aristocratic family residing at Downton Abbey, an estate they have owned since at least 1772, with the title of Earl of Grantham held by Robert Crawley, the seventh earl. His wife, Cora, an American heiress, substantially contributed to the family's wealth through her dowry. The family includes three daughters: Mary, Edith, and Sybil, as well as the matriarch Violet, the dowager Countess of Grantham.
The family tree connects with the Levinson family through Robert's marriage, while the MacClares, related through Violet’s niece, further complicate their relations. The estate's history is intertwined with the Carnarvon family, who have owned Highclere Castle for 300 years. Notably, Lady Mary is a focal character, and the family's heir apparent, Patrick, is a second cousin. The characters embody a range of relationships and narratives, illustrating the social dynamics of the time.
Despite the Crawleys being fictional, they mirror real historical families, with the series striving for historical authenticity under creator Julian Fellowes. Key family members include Robert, Cora, Violet, and their daughters, who navigate the challenges of aristocratic life in early 20th century England.
What Celebrity Is Related To The Vanderbilts?
Contemporary descendants of the Vanderbilt family, founded by Cornelius Vanderbilt, include notable figures such as American art historian John Wilmerding, journalist Anderson Cooper (son of the late Gloria Vanderbilt), actor Timothy Olyphant, musician John P. Hammond, screenwriter James Vanderbilt, and the Duke of Marlborough, James Spencer-Churchill. The Vanderbilt dynasty, prominent during the Gilded Age, amassed immense wealth primarily through their railroad empire.
Descendants like Cooper, who attended Yale University, symbolize the blend of family connections and fame, despite Cooper acknowledging he will not inherit the family’s fortune. Gloria Vanderbilt, famed fashion designer and heiress, was a significant figure in this lineage, known for her lavish lifestyle and artistic contributions. The Vanderbilts epitomized opulence with their grand estates and extravagant parties, making them icons of American history and culture. While the family’s wealth has dwindled over generations, their legacy continues through contemporary members who have made a mark in various fields.
Do Families Like The Crawleys Still Exist?
The Crawley family from "Downton Abbey" is a fictional creation inspired by the Earls and Countesses of Carnarvon, who still occupy Highclere Castle, the filming location for the series. Though Downton Abbey is depicted as being in Yorkshire, it is based on this real estate in Hampshire, which has been under the Carnarvon family's ownership for 300 years. While not directly based on real historical figures, the Crawley family represents the aristocracy, echoing the lifestyle of the Carnavons and similar families.
The series illustrates the interdependent relationship between the Crawleys and their servants, emphasizing social class dynamics of the early 20th century. As modern aristocracy has evolved, contemporary families residing in grand estates maintain some social structures, like staff, but generally in a more egalitarian and sustainable manner.
Today, the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, George and Fiona Herbert, continue their family legacy at Highclere. Despite significant social changes since the 1920s, some remnants of the aristocratic lifestyle persist, though it is less hierarchical today. The show captures elements of historical accuracy while focusing on the fictional lifestyle of the Crawley family, reflecting societal shifts in a contemporary context.
Who Was William Henry Vanderbilt?
William Henry Vanderbilt, born on May 8, 1821, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was the eldest son of Cornelius Vanderbilt and a significant figure in American business. Often referred to as "Billy," he was initially deemed unambitious by his father, who instead assigned him to manage a family farm in Staten Island in 1840. Despite this early setback, following Cornelius' death in 1877, William took over the family's shipping and railroad empire and became the richest American of his time.
His ability to double the family fortune within eight years showcased his impactful leadership and business acumen. William presided over the New York Central Railroad and other railroads, earning a reputation as a quiet, honest, and modest businessman. He was married and was part of a large family that included three sons and eight daughters. Throughout the Gilded Age, he significantly expanded the Vanderbilt family's wealth and influence.
William Henry Vanderbilt passed away on December 8, 1885, leaving behind a legacy marked by substantial business achievements. His life illustrates the tension between inherited wealth and the challenge of management, as articulated by his father’s belief that holding onto a fortune required intellect and effort.
Who Is Cora Downton Abbey Based On?
Lady Cora Crawley, portrayed by Elizabeth McGovern in Downton Abbey, is modeled after Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon, who lived at Highclere Castle, the filming location for the series. The show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, aimed for historical accuracy, with the fictional Crawley family inspired by real figures but not directly based on them. Cora, born Cora Levinson in 1868 to Jewish immigrant Isidore Levinson and Martha Levinson, is an American heiress whose marriage to Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, was initially a financial necessity that blossomed into true love. The couple navigates life at Downton during historical turmoil, including World War I, which resulted in their home being repurposed as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Cora's backstory reflects the real-life circumstances of wealthy American women marrying into the British aristocracy, as her family's wealth was intricately tied to the Grantham estate, effectively sidelining her daughters' inheritances. The series showcases the interplay between the traditional British aristocracy and American influence, with Cora's character serving to provide an American perspective amidst British social dynamics. While Downton Abbey is fictional, it incorporates elements inspired by true historical narratives, particularly through characters like Lady Cora, linking them to real historical figures and families.
Who Are The Crawley Family In Downton Abbey?
The Crawley family, the central figures in the television series Downton Abbey, consists of various characters, including Violet Crawley, Robert and Cora Crawley, Lady Mary and Henry Talbot, Isobel Grey and Matthew Crawley, Edith and Bertie Pelham, Sybil and Tom Branson, along with their children. Although fictional, the Crawleys draw inspiration from the real-life Carnavons, who reside at Highclere Castle, the actual Downton Abbey.
The estate has been in their family since 1679. Set between 1912 and 1928, the series elaborates on the lives of this aristocratic family amid societal changes, along with their relationships to extended family, like the Levinsons and MacClares.
The show portrays a luxurious lifestyle complete with opulent dresses and devoted staff, focusing on the dynamics within the Crawley family. Through various episodes, viewers learn about their heritage, with Robert, the 7th Earl of Grantham, and his American wife, Cora, leading the household. The Crawley family tree is rich with connections, including Violet, Robert's mother, and various descendants.
Key figures show a range of personalities that enrich the drama. Overall, Downton Abbey weaves together historical accuracy with captivating storytelling centered on the Crawley family at their grand estate in Yorkshire.
📹 “Downton Abbey” With American Accents Is Bizarre
Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Allen Leech perform a scene from “Downton Abbey” using good ol’ American accents, …
I binge watched all 6 seasons and the first movie over the recent 4th of July weekend. I wish there was more. This is one of those series that you just don’t want to end. A great ensemble cast. Can’t say enough about Dame Maggie Smith. I’ve been a fan for years. Now I hear that the second movie won’t be released until ’22. Thank you for the backstory on the real Abby. I wish I could visit. Happy they are able to restore it to it’s glory.
The reason Highclere is so magnificent is that it is of a whole! I realised after perusal docs on great houses of England that many are a mish-mash of styles, reflective of the whims of succeeding generations. Highclere is, as I mentioned, not given to such whimsy. But, oh dear, a tomb raider? Aristocratic privilege and entitlement of a by-gone era.❤❤❤
My family has had a story like that of Downton Abbey.. But the difference was that my father passed away while I was still a minor..I was supposed to be the legal heir of things, including the ancestral house, but was not allowed to decide things over since I wasn’t of age yet.. My mum was the one who decided things and she simply thought of starting a new life and sold the house 🙁 🙁 🙁 If I were old enough then to be allowed to decide, I would be like the Crawleys who never give up and do everything to keep their ancestral house..
From Colombia, we love Downton Abbey, We love the castle, the members of the Crawley family specially the Dowager Countess Violet, Lady Mary and Lady Cora and all the rest of the people involved in this extraordinary series and films. And we also love Mrs. Patmore, Daisy, Mr. Carson and the rest of the staff.
Ocachisu: Highclere certainly was not falling apart. Your information is fantasy and ridiculous. Many of my close friends have worked here for many years and I have known this house as long, and I know that it has been lovingly cared for and respected. If it were to be in a state as you describe, it would have taken much more than Downton Abbey to have funded its restoration !!
We sold the big house to a hotel chain in 1994 and just managed to pay off the bank and the tax authorities with that. It was a bit of a heavy decision having to leave the house you grew up in. And for my late mother, who had lived there all her life, it was even worse. But there simply was no alternative. The family Van Zuylen of kasteel De Haar had the fortune to marry into the Rothschild money as well. They used it to build an enormous XIXth century semi mediëval castle, with a vast art collection upon the grounds of an old ruin; not much unsimular like the Carnavorns of Highclere Castle. But our place was a comparatively ”modest” late XVIIIth century Dutch manor house without all this art and magnificance, furnished with worthless old junk (because my late father had allready sold everything valuable) and in dire need of restauration. So there simply was no competition. Even if we would have opened it to the public we couldn’t possibly have achieved the necessairy revenue. Anyway, after a couple of months I was actually glad to see the back of this money pit, which had given me ulcers ever since I enherited it in 1979. Living in a normal semi detached XXth century house, without having to fear you would ignite it every time you use electricity and with no plumbing disasters, rotten floors, molded walls, leaking rooms and drafty windows, was a revalation. The hotel people didn’t manage to turn it into a profitable enterprise either and had to sell it in 2009. Since then it has been the property of a real estate holding company and fallen into even further disrepair over the last 9 years.
Alot of folk want to live like this? Cold drafty houses, Ill maintained. Silly elitist class system. They had to earn alot because they couldnt do anything for themselves, in the end many houses fell. Downton Abbey gives a wonderful rose tinted veiw of this past life at the end of the British empire; even rosier view of the working life masses. You would not want this world back, even though many tory back benchers would love the return of this world. Try telling a posh toff “engineers make a country great” the UK today has destroyed it’s engineering. Phil the Greek quote is rather apt.
Playing in a Nuclear Sandbox The AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Deal, in which the US and the UK will sell nuclear submarine building technologies to Australia so it can build its own nuclear subs, has made big waves over the past two weeks. There has been much ado over France taking offense with Australia for walking out of a nearly done deal with it to buy similar technology. A lot of money is involved, but pride is more a factor here than money. The frightening thing here is not the nuclear submarines themselves, but the fact that the parties are behaving like kids in a sandbox squabbling over a toy shovel. But in this case, it is a nuclear toy, and the ramifications of these games will impact all eight billion of us. The bad news is that you cannot stop this madness. If you don’t have nuclear subs, you are powerless and cannot stop those who have them. If you do have nuclear subs, you are powerful and you don’t want to stop. If an alien came to Earth and watched what is going on here, it would say that our only interest in life is war-games. Moreover, war defines our life here, and the fact that we could end our existence at the press of a button is no one’s concern as long as we can keep playing. In the 1950s, Baal HaSulam wrote that if humanity doesn’t understand that we cannot live in such a state indefinitely, that we must shift to a considerate way of life where we are responsible for one another, then more world wars will follow and teach us the hard way. “If the total ruin that (nuclear and hydrogen bombs) are destined to bring upon the world is still not evident to the world, they can wait for a third world war, or a fourth one.
Dear Julian Fellowes, Can you do me a favor and locate the estate of Mr. Peter Andrew Firth of Scotland near the Castle of Queen Mary of Scotland? He is the grandfather of my cousin’s husband’s grandfather who has a hereditary title in the House of Peers of Scotland. Please reply below. Sincerely, Miss Mary Kate, Diplomat 2016 M.K.I.
The present earl and countess could, of course, take the moral high ground, and donate this ugly expensive pile to the nation who paid for it in the first place. National Trust. Relieve themselves of all that financial anxiety and not have to bus in American tourists. They could then be employed as knowledgeable custodians/guides, and live comfortably and modestly like the majority of their compatriots. They never will, of course. They know too well how well off they are!
, I am looking for an estate in England for sale that looks like Downton Abbey if I cannot find an estate in England for sale or Ireland then I will look into you having exact duplicate built of Downton Abbey here in the United States somebody told me it would cost 10 million dollars to have Downton Abbey built here in the United States it would be exact duplicate count the small little frame for an example thank you for this article