WPT Interviews: Alastair Bruce, Historical Advisor to "Downton Abbey"

"Downton Abbey" fans might recognize Alastair Bruce's hands - they are the same ones in the end credits, measuring and scrutinizing the placement of silverware and dishes at the grand manor's dining room table. That is just one small part of Bruce's job as historical advisor to every single scene of Downton Abbey. In this exclusive interview with Bruce from his recent visit to Madison, the man - who also serves as an advisor to the royal family on official ceremonies and customs - talks about his role on the popular Masterpiece Classic program and how he ensures that every piece of the background, set and action feels genuine to the period, why the work he does is not "etiquette," but instead protocol, and the one piece of protocol from the age of Downton Abbey that he wishes still existed today.
Learn more about Bruce's role on the show when "The Manners of Downton Abbey: A Masterpiece Special" premieres on Wisconsin Public Television Jan.4, immediately following the premiere of the fifth season of Downton Abbey.