'Downton Abbey' creator slams Prince William's Duchy over 'disrespectful' housing plans

Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes is firing back at Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall after a controversial housing development was approved near one of England’s most iconic literary landmarks, and he’s not holding back.

Lord Fellowes, who resides in West Stafford and serves as president of the Thomas Hardy Society, has spoken out against plans to build 100 homes near Max Gate, the historic former home of Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy. 

The land in question, located in Stinsford near Dorchester, is managed by the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate inherited by Prince William in 2022.

“The people who approved this clearly have no appreciation for the history of the county and the importance of Thomas Hardy to the area,” Lord Fellowes said. 

“I don’t really see how the developers and the council, grown men and women, can do that with a conscience.”

“There are so many other places they could build that would not interfere with such historic sites,” he added. 

“It will be much more difficult for future generations to truly understand Hardy’s life and works.”

Hardy’s former home, Max Gate, now a Grade I listed building, was designed by the author himself in 1885 and remains a pilgrimage site for literary fans across the world.

Prince William, who now oversees the 130,000-acre Duchy estate, reportedly earned £23.6 million from its assets in 2023. 

In its official planning application, the Duchy defended the decision, arguing the homes would be “high-quality,” include affordable housing, and would not diminish the historic significance of Max Gate.

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