Historian Kathy Wilson will present “Downstairs at Downton – The Reality of Running a House like Highclere Castle – the real Downton Abbey” at the Toledo Public Library this Thursday, April 27, from 6-7:30 p.m.

The program is free and is hosted by the Toledo Library Foundation.

What was life really like below stairs at a place like Downton Abbey? Could the chauffeur really marry the daughter of an Earl? Would a maid help move a dead body to protect her mistress’ reputation? What about all that free time? Historian Kathy Wilson reveals the answers to these questions and more in this program focusing on the realities of domestic service at Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, during early 20th century.

Wilson, a professional historian and educator, draws upon more than 20 years of experience in presenting her programs.