Downton Abbey Props Fetch High Prices in Charity Auction

Fans of the globally acclaimed series Downton Abbey have the opportunity to acquire a piece of television history through an online auction hosted by Bonhams. Titled "Downton Abbey: The Auction," the event began on August 18, 2025, and will conclude on September 16, 2025. A complimentary public exhibition of the items is also being held at Bonhams' London location.

The auction features a curated selection of iconic props and costumes. Among the highlights is Lady Mary's wedding dress, estimated to sell between £3,000 and £5,000. Lady Sybil's harem pants are valued at £800. The Crawley family's "bell wall" servant call system carries a pre-sale estimate of £5,000 to £7,000. Other notable items include Lady Edith's wedding dress and accessories (£3,000-£5,000) and a dress worn by Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.

The Grantham family's 1925 Sunbeam Saloon car, which featured prominently in the series and films, is also up for auction with an estimated price of £25,000 to £35,000. A script from the first episode, signed by cast members including Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, is expected to fetch between £600 and £800.

All proceeds from the sale of these donated items will benefit Together for Short Lives, a UK charity dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity works to ensure these children receive the best possible care and support, acting as a crucial advocate for children's palliative care across the UK.

Auction house representatives have highlighted the "bell wall" as a particularly favored item, with expectations that it will surpass its pre-sale valuation. Global interest in the auction is substantial, with significant attention from America, Europe, and Asia, underscoring the international appeal of Downton Abbey. The series, created by Julian Fellowes, first aired in 2010 and has captivated over 120 million viewers worldwide. The upcoming release of the third film, "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," further amplifies interest in the show's memorabilia.