Alastair Bruce, Historical Advisor

While there were many particularly thrilling moments of the Christmas Episode of Downton Abbey, I was pleased as punch to see Alastair Bruce show up on camera.  Unless I am mistaken, he can be spotted enjoying lunch across the table from Penelope Wilton and Hugh Bonneville after the hunt.  Alastair Bruce is the historical advisor for Downton Abbey.

A historical advisor is a loose term for the person on set who makes sure all of the vast many details (and it is a vast many- looking out for conduct, clothing, props, titles, and speech to name a few) are all in proper order. If something is out of place, for example a loaf of bread is caught on camera while it is still in its plastic wrapping from the store or a character uses the word 'boyfriend' before it came into popular conversation (both are example of minor errors in past period drama films), then everyone swoops down on the mistake and criticizes it. The goal of a historical advisor is to make sure nothing is out of line take after take, one of the many jobs that go unnoticed by the audience if done perfectly because we are completely drawn into the era of the film.

Alastair Bruce discussing details with Michelle Dockery in between takes.

Alastair Bruce is a man who wears many hats, both literally and figuratively.  He is a professor as well as an English National Events Commentator, filling in the public about the details behind grand events such as the Royal Wedding and the funerals of the Queen Mother and Princess Di.  He has been a soldier, a lecturer and a published author.  The Queen has appointed Alastair as a herald (appointed to the Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary).  I have also heard rumors that he designs coats of arms (yes, they still exist) and that he recently designed one for the Middletons.

In his spare time, he seems to have recently taken up the role of being a historical advisor.  He has over seen The King's Speech (technically his title for this movie was Military and Ceremonial Advisor) and another recent work of Julian Fellowes' The Young Victoria as well as every episode of Downton Abbey.