After Abbey

Downton Abbey

TV as history teacher? Abington expert weighs in on reality of 'Downton'

A water bottle in a publicity shot for the period drama "Downton Abbey" unleashed harsh criticism and hilarious parodies about the visual authenticity of the series. But it also raises deeper issues about its accuracy in advancing understanding of a remarkable time in British history, from 1912 through the 1920s. Penn State Abington Professor of History Andrew August, whose research focuses on social history, gender and culture in modern British history -- a sweet spot for discussing life on the fictional country estate of Downton Abbey -- weighs in on the cultural and historical accuracy of the wildly popular period drama "Downton Abbey."