AN ELDERLY couple have returned to the scene of their Downton Abbey-style romance at Inglewood Manor.

Patty and William Finney celebrated their 70th platinum wedding anniversary last week with a return to the grand Edwardian manor where their love affair began.

The former scullery maid and lorry driver first met in the 1930s and, in a plot line reminiscent of the popular period drama Downton Abbey, have turned back the clock for their milestone celebration.

Patty, 88, started working ‘downstairs’ in 1937 at Inglewood Manor, just outside Ledsham, aged just 14.

William was a lorry driver, and it wasn’t long before a romance began between the young couple as he escorted her back to the manor after watching football.

Patty has fond memories of her life in service and – in a departure from the turbulent storylines of Downton – the pair have remained happily married ever since.

On November 6 they retraced their steps with family and friends and took a tour of the house owned in their service days by the wealthy merchant Fox family.

This included the tiny space which served as Patty’s small windowless bedroom.

She recalled: “Going into service was a great adventure for me, but it was also another world.

“I was one of 14 staff, including a butler and a cook. We started work at 6.30am and didn’t finish until nearly midnight.

“We got a half day off every other Sunday and a half day midweek. All for the equivalent of about 80p a month.”

Patty remembers the food being a vast improvement from what was served up at home.

She added: “I had never seen some of the foods before that were served up. Despite the hard work we lived well – we were like one big family.”

Patty and William moved on when World War II started and were married soon after. They had two children and ran a business in Rossett, near Wrexham, where they still live.

General manager Fiona Creed said: “Patty and William are a real life connection to an Upstairs Downstairs life which we still find fascinating – why else would we all be glued to Downton Abbey? And of course to the building itself. They are part of its rich history.”