Downton Abbey

New series set in an Edwardian Country House in 1912 following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants. The sinking of the Titanic leaves Downton Abbey's future in jeopardy. However, the eldest daughter, Mary is quick to put her intended marriage behind her and move on. The arrival of the new valet, John Bates, shocks the servants and O'Brien and Thomas scheme to make his stay at Downton as short-lived as possible.

Everyone is anxious at the arrival of Matthew Crawley, the heir presumptive, and his mother, Isobel. Matthew encounters problems settling in to this new life whilst Isobel and Violet are immediately at daggers drawn. Carson is mortified to be confronted with his past and Gwen seems to have a secret correspondent.

Mary is instantly attracted to handsome Turkish attaché, Kemal Pamuk. However, their romance is cut brutally short, sending ripples of unease through the house. No one is more interested than O'Brien in Pamuk's movements. Gwen is humiliated when her secret is exposed. Bates goes to extreme lengths to cure his limp.

The fair arrives in the village and Mrs Hughes finds herself the centre of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position at Downton. Violet and Isobel are in conflict over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Elsewhere, Carson fears there is a thief at Downton.

The village is preparing for its annual flower show. Isobel and Violet are in conflict over Violet's long-held Best Bloom title. Mary is introduced to a potential suitor, Sir Anthony Strallan, yet she appears to be more interested in Matthew. A valuable snuff box goes missing and Mrs Patmore tearfully reveals her fears to Carson that her career may be coming to an end. O'Brien engineers a way for Edith to be revenged on Mary.

Sybil's political aspirations land her in trouble. Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected twist whilst the question of the wine thief is brought to a head with a shocking revelation by Bates. Edith may have found an admirer at last. Branson is more lovesick than ever.

Cora's news throws Matthew's future into jeopardy and makes Mary question the proposal. Thomas finds a new future for himself and so does Gwen. But Mary, by her lack of decision, may have lost hers. A grand garden party at Downton brings events to a head, but all this pales into insignificance in the face of Robert's shock announcement.

The Great War unsettles life at Downton and Isobel's surprising news about Matthew rocks the family further. New maid, Ethel ruffles O'Brien's feathers and Bates returns with life changing
news for Anna.

Carson strives to keep standards high with disastrous personal consequences. Lady Rosamund is eager to unearth Lavinia and Carlisle's secret. The death of a wounded officer motivates Isobel and Sybil to see Downton in a different light. Shellshocked new valet, Lang arrives as William gets his call up papers and is love in the air for both Edith and Mary?

Downton is turned upside down with the arrival of the wounded officers. Branson intends to make General Strutt's visit a day no one will forget. William's return results in an awkward surprise for Daisy. Could there be skeletons in Lavinia's closet and is Bates back in Downton?

Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora. There's worrying news about Matthew and William. Ethel's flirting with Major Bryant lands her in more trouble than she ever could imagine. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil, and Robert goes out of his way to bring Bates back. O'Brien sticks her nose into Mrs. Patmore and Daisy's business.

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera's return threatens to expose old secrets and Mary pays a high price for turning to Carlisle for help.

A wounded Canadian officer comes to Downton to recuperate and unsettles everything. Ethel learns some distressing news. Did Bates heed Robert's caution not to lose his temper with Vera?
Is Carson leaving?

As the storms of war clear will life ever be the same again at Downton? A new development stuns the family. How long can Sybil and Branson keep their secret? Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates is reeling from the news about Vera and Thomas embarks on a new money making scheme.

With the wedding approaching there's excitement in the air but will Branson's plans rattle everyone? Spanish Flu reaches Downton and a desperate Thomas looks for a way to re-establish himself. Ethel faces a dilemma when the Bryants return with a heartbreaking proposition and a decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.

Christmas 1919. Downton Abbey is hosting a lavish Christmas party, yet despite being the season of goodwill, tensions are rife and Bates's arrest has cast a shadow over the festivities. Will he be a condemned man or will he be found innocent in time for the annual servants ball? Mary has to consider her future with Sir Richard Carlisle following a contretemps at the shooting party and Violet has concerns about Rosamund, whose new suitor - the dashing but raffish Lord Hepworth, is not all he seems.

Cora's mother sweeps into Downton for Matthew and Mary's wedding, but with the couple's relationship under strain will they even make it to the altar? New footman Alfred strives to meet Carson's high standards, under the watchful eye of his aunt O'Brien. Robert's shocking news brings financial worries to the fore, on an unprecedented scale. Might he lose Downton itself and all it stands for?

The future of Downton hangs precariously in the balance. In the hope of financial rescue from her American grandmother Mary and Violet conspire to make sure Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes faces some worrying personal news, and O'Brien's efforts to accelerate Alfred's progress rankle with Thomas.

Edith's big day finally arrives. Will her enthusiasm finally convince the family that Strallan's age does not matter? It's the end of the line for Downton's finances and Mary takes matters into her own hands, but the personal price could be high. Mrs Hughes anxiously awaits her results and Anna makes a breakthrough to help Bates. Is O'Brien moving on?

Branson's political views land him in hot water, and Sybil's loyalty is tested to the limit. Ethel is torn between head and heart as she makes a difficult decision about her son's future. Anna is dispirited at Bates's silence, what could be the cause? Carson begins recruiting a footman, and good-looking candidate Jimmy sparks immediate interest below stairs.

An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion. Isobel throws Ethel a lifeline. New maid Ivy is attracting attention below stairs, and Alfred's interest in particular is resented by Daisy. Anna's perseverance finally pays off. Matthew's concerns about the estate grow but are his protests falling on deaf ears?

Tempers fray as Isobel's kind gesture backfires. Branson's decisions are put under scrutiny, but Mary fights his corner. Robert and Cora's relationship suffers, can Violet make them see things differently? As Bates's chance of freedom slips away he goes to extreme lengths.

It's a happy day for Downton as Anna's patience is rewarded. Edith receives admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management, will his tactics pay off? Branson's plan for the christening causes consternation, as does the arrival of his brother. O'Brien counsels Thomas but what are her motives?

There is excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and it brings out Robert's competitive side. As Violet's great niece Rose arrives, a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Thomas's future is in Carson's hands, but Bates may be an unlikely ally. What secrets are Mary and Matthew holding back from each other?

The Crawley Family take a trip to Duneagle Castle in Scotland to visit Violet's great niece Rose and her parents, Shrimpie and Susan, but there are obvious tensions between their hosts. Whilst the few Downton servants who accompanied their masters adjust to the etiquette of a different household, the family join in with traditional Highland activities such as deer stalking and there is a lavish ball for all to attend. Mary is keen to participate in everything, but Matthew is more protective than ever of his wife. Despite most of the household being away Carson is determined to keep the servants working hard. However, news of a fair arriving in Thirsk puts more pressure on him to allow them a little relaxation. Branson also remains at home, taking care of baby Sybil and is tempted to socialise with his old friends below stairs but is this the wisest course of action?

Following Matthew's untimely death, new mother Mary is struggling to come to terms with her loss. Robert and Violet disagree on how to bring her through it. Downstairs, hearts are set to be broken as Jimmy finally takes an interest in Ivy. Carson has an unwelcome reminder of his past while Mrs. Hughes sees an opportunity to help grief stricken Isobel. Thomas is up to his old tricks and has the children's Nanny in his sights.

Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate, but is met with resistance from Robert. As Molesley's fortunes worsen, Bates hatches a plan to help him. Out for a bit of fun, Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York. Mrs Hughes urges Carson to let an old wound heal.

An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends. Some guests, however, prove more welcome than others and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.

Amid the fallout of the eventful house party Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and a trip to the bright lights of London sees Rose put the reputation of the Crawleys in jeopardy.

Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy. Isobel appeals to Violet's sense of charity, but it doesn't come without a fight, and Branson considers a whole new future for himself and baby Sybbie.

A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose's surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs. A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives more unwelcome news.

Cora's playboy brother Harold is in a fix and Robert must travel to America to help bail him out, whilst a new farming venture at Downton sees Blake and Mary forced to put aside their differences. When Violet is taken ill she finds help comes from an unlikely corner. With romantic tensions causing disharmony downstairs, things don't quite go to plan when Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore and Carson conspire to keep the peace.

Rosamund hatches a plan to held Edith out of her predicament, but will Violet see straight through it? Isobel is on the receiving end of some unexpected attention, while Mary asks Gillingham for a favour. Rose has her nose put out of join when plans don't go her way, and Alfred realises too late that he may have made a mistake. Just when Bates and Anna seem to be coming through the worst of their troubles, some unexpected news gives her fresh cause for concern.
Beginning in the years leading up to World War I, the drama centers on the Crawley family and their servants. "The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear, that it seems as if the way of life it represents will last for another thousand years. It won't". In season 2, the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them has been changed forever, since the Great War was declared at the end of the last season.

It's summer and as part of Rose's 'coming out' she is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. The family are in London, preparing Grantham House for the busy social program. Not one to miss such a grand occasion, Martha Levinson arrives from New York with Cora's recently disgraced brother Harold. Both outspoken and larger-than-life, they make quite an impression amongst certain members of London's high society. When the Crawleys are implicated in a scandal that threatens to engulf the monarchy, Robert will go to great lengths to protect the royal family, and his own.

Returning to Downton in 1924 a new labour government heralds changes that are being felt throughout the land, as well as above and below stairs. Plans for a war memorial unexpectedly pit Carson against Robert and Mrs Hughes. While unwanted female attention spells trouble for Jimmy, Thomas gives Baxter an ultimatum. Branson’s burgeoning friendship causes Robert concern while Mary is ready to find love again. Cracks appear in Edith and Drewe’s special arrangement as she increasingly struggles to keep her emotions in check; this may have disastrous consequences for the whole household.

With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter; will his meddling ruin her friendship with Molesley? As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel and when Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

Mary’s secret assignation is very nearly blown, but Violet’s quick thinking saves the day. Robert is left red faced and furious when things don’t go as planned. The events surrounding Green’s death are once again under scrutiny, while Mrs Patmore is devastated when old wounds are reopened but Carson is unsympathetic. Branson receives an interesting proposition concerning the future of the Downton estate, while a figure from Violet’s distant past suggests she has buried secrets of her own.

Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas is suffering an inexplicable illness; Baxter suspects there’s more to it than he’s letting on. Meanwhile, Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin and Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don’t go quite as planned. When Rose’s father Shrimpie returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.

Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora, but this time has his flirting crossed the line? Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting, and Rose encounters a handsome stranger. Determined to stop Isobel making the wrong decision about Lord Merton, Violet enlists the help of Doctor Clarkson, but things don’t quite go as planned. Meanwhile in London, Charles Blake surprises Mary with a cunning plan to help her get exactly what she wants. Downstairs, Mrs Patmore seeks Carson’s advice on a financial matter and Inspector Vyner returns with some ominous words of warning for Anna.

Following last week’s altercation, relations between Robert and Cora are strained. Blake’s scheming starts to come to fruition, when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic measures, leaving people reeling. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green’s death. Meanwhile, Thomas’s condition is deteriorating, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. It’s not all bad news however; love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.

Rosamund arrives at Downton following Edith’s shock departure; will her secret finally be exposed to the family? Meanwhile, Rose is delighted to introduce Atticus and his parents to Downton for the first time. Downstairs, Molesley is concerned to see Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies, and hatches a plan to bring her around. With the worst of their troubles seemingly over, Anna and Bates start thinking about life outside Downton. Isobel makes a happy announcement, but there may be trouble ahead. Violet has her hands full with her warring servants and Mary and Blake seize an opportunity to send Gillingham a strong message.

Preparations are underway for Rose’s big day, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? In London, Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset but Robert has something up his sleeve. Meanwhile, Branson has come to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

It's the grouse season and Rose's father-in-law Lord Sinderby has rented Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawleys to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, a butler with an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threaten to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene. Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton and unlikely later-life romances abound. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. The seasons change and another Christmas is enjoyed at Downton Abbey. As the family and their servants revel in the festivities, there will be romance, a heart-breaking farewell, sad memories of love ones lost and a joyful reunion…

We return to Downton Abbey in 1925, and secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs navigate social changes which put their futures in jeopardy. Mary’s past catches up with her when an unwelcome visitor delivers an ultimatum, and news about the running of Downton Hospital puts Violet on the warpath. Friends of the Crawleys, the Darnleys, have been forced to sell their ancestral home, and Daisy's good intentions at the Mallerton House auction have disastrous consequences. With friends in debt and fashions changing, Robert is feeling the pressure to make staff cutbacks at Downton. Carson is concerned that Mrs Hughes is having second thoughts about their impending matrimony, and judgement day finally arrives for Anna and Bates.

Mary's meddling gets Mr Carson into trouble with Mrs Hughes as planning for their wedding gets underway, and Cora and Violet are pitted against each other over plans for the hospital takeover. Thomas's job search continues with disheartening consequences, and an idea of Mary's takes Anna to London and offers new hope. Edith faces challenges at the magazine but it's a problem closer to home that reaches breaking point. What begins as a happy day out for the family and servants ends in panic and leaves Robert with a difficult decision to make.

Preparations for Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes' wedding are underway, but a misunderstanding threatens the peace. Edith reconnects with an old acquaintance, who comes to her aid in an hour of need. Spratt has something to hide but Denker is hot on the trail, and Daisy jumps to conclusions about a plan of Cora's. Tensions mount over the hospital takeover, leading Isobel to offend a friend. The wedding day brings a surprise, with the arrival of some unexpected guests.

As Tom and Sybbie settle back into life at Downton, the family and servants are surprised with the return of another old friend in unexpected circumstances. A visit from Sergeant Willis leaves Baxter with a dilemma, and Thomas struggles to fill Mr Carson's shoes. A crisis takes Anna and Mary to London; will Bates find out what Anna has been keeping from him? Daisy has a bone to pick with Cora, and Mary's eye is caught by an admirer.

Neville Chamberlain, Minister of Health, dines at Downton Abbey as part of Violet's latest scheme to quash plans for the takeover of Downton Hospital, but the evening proves to be distressing for all. Mrs Patmore, Daisy and Andy help Mr Mason to move into Yew Tree Farm and Andy finds an unexpected confidant in Thomas. Mary and Tom go to watch Henry Talbot test drive a new car, but Mary isn't convinced she's met her match. Edith has a date with Bertie Pelham in London, while Denker is in trouble with Violet and Spratt is forced to help her. Mrs Hughes is finding it difficult to please Mr Carson and Mary senses she's been kept in the dark about a family secret.

Opinions are divided above and below stairs when Tom and Mary open Downton Abbey to the public for a day, in aid of the hospital. Mr Dawes, the headmaster, has a proposition for Mr Molesley, and Baxter is thrown into turmoil when she receives an unexpected letter. Plans for the hospital takeover reach a divisive resolution, with battle lines drawn between Cora and Violet. Carson has an axe to grind with Thomas, but all is not as it appears. Mary surprises Henry with a visit to London, while Bertie comes to Downton to see Edith. Can the sisters overcome the shadows of their pasts and find happiness?

Henry Talbot invites the Crawleys to watch him motor racing at Brooklands, and proceedings leave Mary reeling. Violet makes a plan which surprises the family but delights Denker, and gets to the bottom of Amelia Cruikshank's curious show of friendship towards Isobel. Mr Molesley and Daisy must rise to the challenge on examination day, while Mrs Patmore and Mrs Hughes teach Mr Carson a lesson. Andy's secret is brought to light, and Thomas feels increasingly isolated.

A change of circumstance puts Bertie Pelham in the limelight, and Edith must decide whether to conceal her past at all costs, or confront the truth and risk losing everything. As both sisters seek their perfect match, hostilities escalate and it's up to Mary to decide if she can ever make peace with Edith – or herself? Spratt proves to be a man of hidden talents and Mr Molesley embarks on a career in teaching, though his first lesson doesn't quite go to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast garners unwanted attention – will the Crawleys come to her aid?

Romance abounds in the final episode of Downton Abbey, but for some the year's end is bitter-sweet. Mary endeavours to build bridges but Edith's secret continues to pose a threat, even after she thought there was nothing left to lose. As Henry settles into the role of husband, scars left by Charlie's death are slow to heal, while Carson struggles to come to terms with developments which prove that even he is not invulnerable to change. Spratt's successful moonlighting venture is threatened by the conniving of Denker, and Daisy may have missed her chance with an admirer. Isobel receives devastating news and when the Greys' scheming takes a sinister turn, she and Violet join forces. Robert must learn the value of independence, while the day that Anna and Bates have been waiting for arrives. The last ever episode offers all the love and loss, happiness and heartbreak of Downton Abbey, and as the family and servants prepare to welcome 1926 with an unforgettable New Year's Eve we will share our final two hours in their company, and reflect on the ending of a television event.