BAZ BAMIGBOYE: A French twist for Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess in new Downton movie 

The entente cordiale between the UK and France will surely be improved if Maggie Smith and Nathalie Baye, one of the greatest living French actresses, have anything to do with it. The two screen legends will meet on the set of the Downton Abbey film sequel that’s due to begin shooting in late March or … Read more

Townhouse owned by Dowager Duchess of Marlborough’s fourth wife is on sale for £18million

A London townhouse belonging to the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough is on the market for £18million.  Lily Spencer-Churchill lived at the Belgravia property before her wedding to the late John Spencer-Churchill, 11th Duke of Marlborough, in December 2008.  After the wedding, the couple lived at the family seat of Blenheim Palace, which boasts 187 rooms … Read more

Dowager Countess of Cirencester Park asked her interior designer to sell the family chattels

Just over a month ago, the London branch of the auction house Christie’s hosted a sale of some of the effects of a deceased Dowager Countess. The artefacts listed in the catalogue included several Old Masters, items of furniture and various pieces of jewellery. So far, so unremarkable. But the Countess in question was Gloria … Read more