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Extraordinary black-and-white photographs show the REAL Downton Abbey more than 120 years ago during a visit from Prince Edward

The incredible images show the 19th century Highclere Castle in Hampshire

AN incredible set of black-and-white photographs of the real Downton Abbey - which include a visit from the future King - have been unearthed after more than 120 years.

The magnificent 19th century Highclere Castle in Hampshire was home to George Herbert, fifth Earl of Carnarvon, and his wife Almina Herbert in the late 19th and early 20th century.

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An incredible set of black-and-white photographs show the sprawling Highclere Castle, which was the setting for hit ITV period drama, Downton AbbeyCredit: Lawrences/BNPS

The 1895 album, which goes up for auction next month, contains 44 large mounted images of the house, staff and estate of Highclere, which doubled as Downton Abbey in the hit ITV period drama.

Among them are pictures of the Earl of Carnarvon and Almina – dubbed the ‘real life Lord and Lady Grantham’, who were played by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern in the award-winning show.

Other black and white photographs show various shooting parties including one involving Prince Edward, who became King Edward VII six years later, and the house staff.

Prince Edward (later King Edward VII), pictured centre, posed for a photograph in the grounds of the castle with the 5th Eark if Carnarvon after attending a shooting partyCredit: Lawrences/BNPS
44 large mounted photographs of Highclere Castle, pictured today, the staff and estate are up for auction. They are expected to raise £500Credit: Getty Images
The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, pictured back right, and Carnarvon's then wife, Almina, Countess of Carnarvon, centre, are pictured in the garden while socialising with friendsCredit: Lawrences/BNPS

At that time there were as many as 60 members of staff living in and around the castle, with a house steward, butlers, footmen, housekeepers, maids, kitchen staff and hall and steward room boys.

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The lives of Carnarvon and Almina were every bit as remarkable as those of Lord Grantham's family in Downton Abbey, which was set around the same period.

Just like in the TV series, the couple turned Highclere Castle into a hospital for wounded servicemen returning from France in the First World War.

Highclere Castle has a small chapel in the grounds where George Herbert, fifth Earl of Carnarvon, and his wife Almina Herbert would go and prayCredit: Lawrences/BNPS
A rare photograph of Highclere's interior. At that time there were as many as 60 members of staff living in and around the castleCredit: Lawrences/BNPS
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Robert Ansell, a specialist at Lawrences, said: “These fascinating images of Highclere Castle offer a rare glimpse into the life of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his circle"Credit: Lawrences/BNPS

Almina was an adept nurse who healed many injured soldiers, receiving hundreds of thank you letters from grateful families.

But it was Canarvon's help in discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun with archaeologist Howard Carter in Egypt in 1922 that he was most well known for.

He bankrolled Carter's digs and provided the political clout required for such high profile excavations.

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The lives of Carnarvon and Almina, pictured during a shooting party, were every bit as remarkable as those of Lord Grantham’s family in Downton Abbey, which was set around the same periodCredit: Lawrences/BNPS
A sepia photograph shows the main house from across the gardens. During the Second World War, the castle briefly became a home for evacuee children from LondonCredit: Lawrences/BNPS

In 1921, Carter was summoned to Highclere to receive the news that Carnarvon was giving up on the digs.

Carter made an appeal to finance one final dig from his own pocket and any find would still belong to Carnarvon, as holder of the concession.

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Impressed by Carter's commitment, Carnarvon relented, even agreeing to finance the final dig.

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Four months after their amazing discovery, Carnarvon was struck down with pneumonia and died, although legend has it he was in fact struck down by the 'mummy's curse', which bestowed the 'most dire punishment follows any rash intruder into a sealed tomb'.

Carter and Carnarvon's close relationship was documented in the ITV drama series Tutankhamun which aired last year, with Carnarvon played by Sam Neill.

Following Carnarvon's death his son, Henry, returned to Highclere where he lived until 1986.

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The long, winding driveway that leads to the front of the castle. Highclere has 300 rooms, 80 of which are bedroomsCredit: Lawrences/BNPS
The Temple of Diana in the gardens of Highclere. The Carnarvon family have been in residence since 1672 and today’s inhabitants are the eighth Earl and Countess of CarnarvonCredit: Lawrences/BNPS

During the Second World War, the castle, that has 80 bedrooms and 300 rooms, briefly became a home for evacuee children from London.

The Carnarvon family have been in residence since 1672 and today's inhabitants are the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

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The photo album is being sold by Lawrences auctioneers of Crewkerne, Somerset.

The stunning grounds of Highclere Castle, pictured today, which were created by Lancelot 'Capability' BrownCredit: Getty Images

Robert Ansell, a specialist at Lawrences, said: "These fascinating images of Highclere Castle offer a rare glimpse into the life of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his circle.

"They were evidently commissioned from a local photographer and perhaps mark the visit of Prince Edward to the estate in 1895.

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"Such material is increasingly scarce on the open market and we've received strong interest, particularly with the public enthusiasm for Downton Abbey."

The album is valued at £500 and will be auctioned off by Lawrences on 3 February 2017.

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