Producer Nigel Marchant told the Oxford Mail in 2010 that Bampton’s proximity to the capital was a key factor in why they made the village into the fictional Downton.
He said: “Downton Abbey is supposed to be set in Yorkshire, and we needed to be able to create a fictional village nearer London.
“Bampton is perfect because it is so well preserved, and you hardly need to do anything in terms of alterations…
“As far as I am aware this is the first time there has been filming like this in Bampton so the villagers have been very welcoming and have shown a lot of interest in what is happening.”
Eagle-eyed Downton watchers will notice that several of the weddings, christenings and funerals which took place during the six series were filmed in Bampton’s St Mary’s Church, which became known as St Michael and All Angels.
Source: express.co.uk