Why is Downton Abbey an abbey?

by G4nesh

I thought abbeys were monasteries or former monasteries (i.e. Westminster), but DA is a residence, so why is it called an abbey? Thank you very much.

Searocksandtrees

hi! just a note that "Downton Abbey" specifically is a fictional location; the series is filmed at Highclere Castle, which doesn't appear to have ever been the location of an abbey. As for re-purposed abbeys, you may be interested in this earlier post