The creator of Downton Abbey took time out of his busy schedule to visit a hospice looking after severely ill and disabled children. Haven House Children’s Hospice

Lord Julian Fellowes toured Haven House Children’s Hospice, in Woodford Green on Friday, July 14.

The award-winning actor, novelist and screenwriter, was given the tour by his “good friend“ Iain Duncan Smith, the MP for Chingford an Woodford Green.

The Lord and Lady were the hospice’s grounds and arboretum, where there are more than 100 trees planted by notable public figures, including Margaret Thatcher and Sir Winston Churchill.

Lord Fellowes said: “I found Haven House very inspirational. Although it our greatest fear our child should fall ill, it is wonderful to know that there are places like this where they could be cared for.”

Mr Duncan Smith added: “It was a huge pleasure to show my good friends Lord and Lady Fellowes the hospice and its grounds.

“In my 22 years as a Patron of Haven House, the incredible history of the grounds never ceases to amaze me.

“Lord and Lady Fellowes are great supporters of the hospice movement and I look forward to seeing them at one of our events in the future.”