As the curtain falls on the beloved British drama Downton Abbey, fans from across the globe are finding comfort—and a touch of nostalgia—by bidding on some of the show’s most iconic props and costumes. With the final chapter of the Crawley family’s saga set to premiere in cinemas on September 12, 2025, the world is not only preparing to say goodbye to a cultural phenomenon, but also to own a piece of its storied legacy.
This week, Bonhams auction house in London opened its doors to a unique exhibition, showcasing hundreds of artifacts from the series and its films. The auction, which began online on August 18 and runs through September 16, offers fans a rare opportunity to get up close to the very items that have graced screens for over a decade. According to Bonhams, more than 120 million viewers worldwide have watched the series, which first aired in 2010 and quickly captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Charlie Thomas, who is overseeing the auction at Bonhams, did not hesitate when asked about his favorite lot. “The bell wall,” he said, referring to the iconic servant’s call system that featured from the show’s first episode to its last. Valued between £6,000 and £8,000, Thomas suspects it will “smash its pre-sale valuation.” During a demonstration for visitors, he joked, “Just to prove it’s a working bell, look at that—I expect someone’s going to deliver tea in a minute.”
The auction’s catalog reads like a stroll through the grand halls of Downton itself. Highlights include Lord and Lady Grantham’s 1925 Sunbeam saloon car, which still runs and is valued between £25,000 and £35,000. Also up for grabs: the wedding dress worn by Lady Mary, estimated at £3,000 to £5,000, and a pair of harem pants that once belonged to Lady Sybil, valued in the same range. These pieces, among others, have drawn interest from bidders as far afield as America, Europe, and Asia. “We’ve already had a huge amount of interest coming from across the globe, especially from America, from Europe, a lot from northern Europe, from Asia,” Thomas told AFP. “People have sort of fallen in love with these characters.”
For fans, the exhibition is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a pilgrimage. Visitors moved reverently among the displays, pausing to admire everything from costumes to set pieces. One woman lingered over the cane once used by Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, played by the late Maggie Smith. “It’s a beautiful item,” she remarked. “I would like to buy the cane for my mother-in-law who is turning 70, but I am not sure how she’ll take it,” she added with a smile. Maggie Smith, whose portrayal of the sharp-tongued matriarch was a highlight of the show, passed away in September 2024, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the sale.
Hailey Bradley, a 23-year-old American living in London, found herself dazzled by the array of costumes. “My favourite piece(s) right now are just all the dresses. I don’t think I could even pick one, they’re all just so beautiful,” she told AFP. “It’s so glamorous,” she added, describing herself as “a big fan.”
Not everyone, however, came with the intention of bidding. Lucia Campara, who traveled from Milan with her family, organized their holiday around visiting key sites from the world of British literature and film, including those tied to Downton Abbey. “It’s a unique occasion to see all those objects that will soon disappear,” she explained. But she admitted, “The best pieces will cost too much and anyway, it is not something you would use in your daily life.”
Jenny Foster, an 85-year-old British fan, was particularly taken with the 1920s dresses on display. Like many, she expressed sadness that the saga was coming to an end. “In fact, I shall probably watch it all again anyway now, because I’ve forgotten some of it now,” she said, reflecting a sentiment shared by countless viewers who have followed the Crawleys through six seasons and two feature films.
The exhibition itself is free and open to the public at Bonhams’ New Bond Street location, allowing both die-hard fans and curious visitors to experience the magic of Downton Abbey up close before the items are sold to the highest bidder. According to BBC News, the show’s filming locations—such as Bampton, Cogges Manor Farm, and Kingston Bagpuize House in Oxfordshire, as well as Basildon Park in Berkshire—have become pilgrimage sites in their own right, drawing fans eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
But this auction is not just about nostalgia or memorabilia. The proceeds from the sale will be donated to the UK children’s charity Together for Short Lives, ensuring that the legacy of Downton Abbey extends beyond the screen and into the lives of those in need. This charitable gesture adds a layer of meaning to each bid, as fans know their purchases will help support children and families facing the most difficult of circumstances.
The timing of the auction is no accident. With the release of the third and final film, The Grand Finale, just around the corner, excitement is reaching fever pitch. The new film promises to explore themes of divorce and the Crawley family’s struggle to adapt in a rapidly changing world—a fitting end to a story that has always balanced tradition with transformation.
For many, the end of Downton Abbey marks the close of an era. Yet, as the show’s props and costumes find new homes, its spirit will live on—not just in living rooms and cinemas, but in the cherished collections of fans around the world. And who knows? Maybe, in a small way, the ringing of that servant’s bell or the sight of Lady Mary’s wedding dress will keep the magic of Downton alive for years to come.
With the proceeds earmarked for charity and fans eager to hold onto a piece of history, the auction is more than just a sale—it’s a celebration of a show that has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the hearts of millions.
