From the Gilded Age until 1914, more than 100 American heiresses invaded Britannia and swapped dollars for titles. In this they were just like the fictional Cora Crawley, a wealthy American who through marriage became Countess of Grantham in the Downton Abbey television series. Author Carol Wallace discusses her book To Marry an English Lord, a tour through the vivid personalities, gossipy anecdotes, and grand houses of the period which inspired Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes to create the hit series. Wallace has written 21 books, most recently the historical novel Leaving Van Gogh. Her other books include All Dressed in White: The Irresistible Rise of the American Wedding, Dance, and Victorian Treasures: An Album and Historical Guide for Collectors.

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