DOWNTON ABBEY

                                             Downton Abbey is a wonderful programme.
Although the characters are fictional, the whole frame of the story is based on actual history and how society / people lived in the Edwardian Era. It is a fantastic way to learn history as even the costumes are based completely on the very real fashion of the day, the actresses doing their best to move about in the corsets, which had to be worn in order to get the correct style.
The series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, and depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V, the first series starting in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and how this affects the story of the Earl and Countess of Grantham (who own Downton Abbey).

The exterior and most of the interior shots of Downton Abbey comes from Highclere Castle in Hampshire. The kitchen, servant's quarters and working areas, and some of the "upstairs" bedrooms were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios. Other filming locations include the Criterion Restaurants, and the ballroom of The Seville Club in Mayfair, London.

Robert, Earl of Grantham, had lived a fairly simple life, marrying Cora mainly for her money but eventually falling in love with her. They had three daughters but no living son, which meant that a cousin was to inherit the estate. He, however, died on board the Titanic. This left the question of who will inherit Downton Abbey.

Cora, Countess of Grantham, is the beautiful daughter of a multi-millionaire from America, whose money "saved" the estate.

Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, is Robert's mother, who is immensely proud of her son and immensely insufferable to her American daughter-in-law. However, in this relationship, both women think themselves superior of the other.

Lady Mary Crawley is the eldest daughter who is clever, good-looking and 'hard'. The only way she can inherit Downton Abbey is if she married the new Heir, a distant cousin no-one has met or even knows.

Lady Edith Crawley is the second daughter. Perhaps not so beautiful or even sought-after but she is still very ambitious. Lady Edith seems to be in a permanent rage because Lady Mary is always put before herself when it comes to family plans, and this is very evident throughout the series.

Lady Cybil Crawley is the third and last daughter and is the family rebel. Being political, Lady Cybil is devoted to the cause of votes for women. She exasperates both parents. I love the scene where she comes down to dinner in the latest fashion, which is so 'avante garde' that every-ones mouths are open almost in disbelief.

Matthew Crawley is a distant cousin of Lord Grantham. His father was a doctor and Matthew himself qualified as a solicitor and is practising in Manchester. The news that Matthew is now Heir to such a large estate surprises him and he is determined not to stop work or let it change him.

Isobel Crawley is Matthew's mother (widowed) and comes from the professional middle class. Isobel embodies an entirely different set of values to those of Lord and Lady Grantham and is far better educated than the Ladies of Downton Abbey. She agrees to come and manage her son's house on the estate, but she has mixed feelings about the whole set up.

Mr.Carson is the butler of Downton Abbey, being in charge of the pantry, wine cellar and dining room, as well as the male staff. Carson has worked at the Country Estate since he was a boy and is endlessly nostalgic for the way things were. He is very protective towards Lady Mary :"even butlers have their  favourites."
Mrs.Hughes is the housekeeper, being responsible for the house, its appearance and the female staff. Mrs.Hughes respects Carson, and, to a degree, protects him but to the other servants, she is a task-master.

Mrs.Patmore is the cook, in charge of the kitchen and the kitchen staff. She becomes quite attached to Daisy, who starts as a scullery maid and works her way up to 'Cook's Assistant'. Mrs.Patmore treats Daisy like a daughter.

There are several other very strong characters within this programme and I do recommend watching it --- if you love the Edwardian Era, you will love Downton Abbey.