Simon Schama brands Downton 'cultural necrophilia'

Historian Simon Schama has launched a scathing attack on Downton Abbey, accusing it of improbable storylines and historical inaccuracies.

Criticising the show's popularity in the US, he accused it of "cultural necrophilia" and of pandering to "cliches" about British stately homes.

"Downton serves up a steaming, silvered tureen of snobbery," he wrote in The New Statesman.

Creator Julian Fellowes has previously defended the drama against such claims.

Responding to people who accused the show of using anachronistic language and etiquette, he said "the programme is pretty accurate"....