Downton Abbey Is Saying A Final Goodbye With An Auction Of All Its Props & Costumes

By Charlie Colville

12 hours ago

The farewell sale heads to Bonhams this summer


It might have been 15 years since Downton Abbey first appeared on screens, but the period drama remains a quintessential British staple. And now, with six seasons and three motion pictures under its belt (the last of which is scheduled to hit cinemas this September), the franchise’s creators are ready to say a final farewell. But not just any old farewell. A selection of props, costumes and set pieces from across the Downton Abbey series are heading to auction this August. Here’s everything you need to know.

A Huge Downton Abbey Auction & Exhibition Is Coming To Bonhams

Hosted by renowned auction house Bonhams, the Downton Abbey sale will run throughout August and September online – alongside a special exhibition held in London. It will bring together several items of memorabilia from the show, with estimates starting from £200 and going as high as £35,000.

Downton Abbey is an example of the very best of British television and filmmaking, and we are delighted to be offering the props and costumes from this landmark series,’ says Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for House Sales and Private & Iconic Collections. ‘Downton Abbey is an exceptionally well-researched piece of storytelling on aristocratic society in the early 20th Century, and the costumes and props show the impressive attention to detail that brought the world to life on screen and making it so beloved by millions across the globe.’

Downton Abbey

Carnival Films, the production company behind Downton Abbey, plans to donate the proceeds from the items it has donated to Together for Short Lives, a UK charity that provides support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

‘The world of Downton Abbey is beloved around the globe for its rich, timeless storytelling,’ notes Gareth Neame, Executive Producer & CEO of Carnival Films. ‘These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives.’

The Downton Abbey Bell Wall

The Downton Abbey Bell Wall © Carnival Films.

Auction Highlights

Spanning all six seasons of the show, Bonhams’ Downton Abbey auction is made up of 20 lots ranging from costumes and props to set accessories and autographed memorabilia. Some of the main highlights include:

  • The wedding dress, bouquet and shoes worn by Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) in season 3, episode 1
  • The harem pants costume worn by Lady Sibyl (Jessica Brown Findlay) in season 1, episode 4
  • Day dresses worn by Violet Crawley (Dame Maggie Smith) in season 6
  • A peach halterneck dress worn by Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) in season 4, episode 2
  • Various cook costumes and pinafores worn by Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol)
Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil) in harem costume

Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil) Harem Pant Prop Costume Season 1, Episode 4 © Carnival Films

  • A clapper board used un the production of Downton Abbey: A New Era
  • An autographed script from Downton Abbey season 1, episode 1
  • A pair of white leather gloves worn by Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier)
  • The bell wall that hung in the servants’ quarters
  • The Grantham family car
An autographed script and clapper board

An autographed script of Downton Abbey Season One, Episode One & a clapper board used in the production of the film Downton Abbey: A New Era

When Is The Downton Abbey Auction?

The Downton Abbey auction will run online from 18 August until 16 September 2025.

How To Bid

All bids will be placed online via Bonhams’ official sale page; bidding opens from 18 August 2025. You can preview the lots available and register your interest to stay updated via bonhams.com

Exhibition Details

Coinciding with the online sale, Bonhams will host an exhibition showcasing all the props and costumes from the Downton Abbey auction at its flagship New Bond Street showroom. Free and open to the public, the exhibition will go behind the scenes on the period drama, and give potential bidders a taste of what they could be getting their hands on.

When: 18 August – 16 September 2025

Where: 101 New Bond Street, London W1S 1SR