Stirrings of Change (1912–14) Sinking of the Titanic

The Titanic sinks, and more than 1,500 lives are lost. Downton Abbey gets news that James Crawley and his son, Patrick, were aboard, leaving Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham and the father of three daughters, without an heir.

“Every mountain is unclimbable until someone climbs it. So every ship is unsinkable until it sinks.” — Lord Grantham “Every mountain is unclimbable until someone climbs it. So every ship is unsinkable until it sinks.” — Lord Grantham

A Legal Bind

Matthew Crawley, a distant cousin, is proclaimed the heir, but Lord Grantham is urged to investigate whether the entail, which forbids a daughter from inheriting the title and estate, can be broken. A landmark overhaul of British property laws would not go into effect until 1926, giving women more rights and making it harder for distant relatives to inherit.

“I don't believe a woman can be forced to give away all her money to a distant cousin of her husband's. Not in the 20th century. It's too ludicrous for words.” — Lady Mary “I don't believe a woman can be forced to give away all her money to a distant cousin of her husband's. Not in the 20th century. It's too ludicrous for words.” — Lady Mary

War and Peace

The First Balkan War — in which the Balkan League fought Turkey — leads to the London Peace Conference of 1912-13. The fictional Kemal Pamuk, a Turkish diplomat attending the talks, accompanies Evelyn Napier to Downton. But after a late-night dalliance, Mr. Pamuk dies in Lady Mary's bed.

“Since Turkey's signature is vital, Mr. Napier's been given the job of keeping him happy until the conference begins and he's eager to try an English hunt. I shall invite this Mr. Pamuk to stay here as well. Who knows? A little hospitality in an English house may make all the difference to the outcome.” — Lady Grantham “Since Turkey's signature is vital, Mr. Napier's been given the job of keeping him happy until the conference begins and he's eager to try an English hunt. I shall invite this Mr. Pamuk to stay here as well. Who knows? A little hospitality in an English house may make all the difference to the outcome.” — Lady Grantham

Suffrage Set to Ragtime

Lady Sybil, inspired by the politics of the new Irish chauffeur, Tom Branson, expresses support for the women’s vote, which the British would phase in between 1918 and 1928. And the sound (and fashion) of ragtime — a craze that had overtaken London — echoes throughout Downton.

“I’m quite political. In fact, I brought some pamphlets that I thought might interest you about the vote.” — Tom Branson



“Thank you. But please don’t mention this to my father, or my grandmother. One whiff of reform and she hears the rattle of the guillotine.” — Lady Sybil “I’m quite political. In fact, I brought some pamphlets that I thought might interest you about the vote.” — Tom Branson“Thank you. But please don’t mention this to my father, or my grandmother. One whiff of reform and she hears the rattle of the guillotine.” — Lady Sybil

A Woman's Virtue

Rumors of Lady Mary’s escapade with Mr. Pamuk circulate throughout London society, prompting Lady Grantham to worry that her daughter may not find a suitable husband. The character of Lady Grantham was based in part on Mary Leiter, the Chicago-born daughter of a partner of Marshall Field who was essentially overlooked during her coming out to London society until the Prince of Wales danced with her at a ball. In 1895 she married George Curzon, who would become Viceroy of India, and had three daughters.

“Mama, the world is changing.” — Lady Mary



“Not that much. And not fast enough for you.” — Lady Grantham



“I know you mean to help. I know you love me. But I also know what I’m capable of, and 40 years of boredom and duty just isn’t possible for me.” — Lady Mary “Mama, the world is changing.” — Lady Mary“Not that much. And not fast enough for you.” — Lady Grantham“I know you mean to help. I know you love me. But I also know what I’m capable of, and 40 years of boredom and duty just isn’t possible for me.” — Lady Mary

Equal Rights, Unequal Opinions

After expressing her political beliefs to her displeased father, Lady Sybil persuades Tom Branson to drive her to Ripon to attend a rally for the Liberal Party, then at the height of its power under the leadership of Prime Minister H.H. Asquith.

“I was only going to say that Sybil is entitled to her own opinions.” — Lady Mary



“No. She isn’t until she is married. Then her husband will tell her what her opinions are.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “I was only going to say that Sybil is entitled to her own opinions.” — Lady Mary“No. She isn’t until she is married. Then her husband will tell her what her opinions are.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Future Tense

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated in Sarajevo, and Lord Grantham announces that England is at war with Germany.

“The main topic here is the murder of the Austrian Archduke.” — Mrs. Hughes



“Here and everywhere else.” — Mr. Carson “The main topic here is the murder of the Austrian Archduke.” — Mrs. Hughes“Here and everywhere else.” — Mr. Carson

Life During Wartime (1916–19) Battle and Home Fronts

Matthew Crawley and the servant Thomas Barrow encounter each other in the trenches of Somme, France. Nearly 20,000 British soldiers died on the first day of the months-long battle.

“I don't want my own son to die either, but this is a war, and we must be in it together. High and low, rich and poor.” — Isobel Crawley “I don't want my own son to die either, but this is a war, and we must be in it together. High and low, rich and poor.” — Isobel Crawley

Wounded Warriors

Thomas Barrow helps tend soldiers at the Downton Cottage Hospital alongside Lady Sybil, who has trained to become an auxiliary nurse. Some 90,000 Britons volunteered with the British Red Cross at home or abroad.

“At the front the men pray to be spared, of course; but if that's not to be they pray for a bullet that kills them cleanly. For too many of them today, that prayer had not been answered.” — Matthew Crawley “At the front the men pray to be spared, of course; but if that's not to be they pray for a bullet that kills them cleanly. For too many of them today, that prayer had not been answered.” — Matthew Crawley

Healing Hands

The War Office has 5,000 offers from homes, schools and other institutions to accommodate wounded soldiers. Downton is transformed into a convalescent home for recuperating officers, with Isobel Crawley and Thomas Barrow put in charge. And in the servants' quarters, Branson, awaiting a "people's revolution," announces that Czar Nicholas II of Russia and his family have been imprisoned.

“Now, I think, perhaps, I should make one thing clear. Downton is our house and our home, and we will welcome in it any friends or relations we choose. And if you do not care to accept that condition, then I suggest you give orders for the nurses, and the patients, and the beds, and the rest of it, to be packed up and shipped out at once!” — Lord Grantham “Now, I think, perhaps, I should make one thing clear. Downton is our house and our home, and we will welcome in it any friends or relations we choose. And if you do not care to accept that condition, then I suggest you give orders for the nurses, and the patients, and the beds, and the rest of it, to be packed up and shipped out at once!” — Lord Grantham

The Iron Lady

Matthew Crawley goes missing in action. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission erected the Thiepval Memorial with the names of more than 72,000 soldiers who were killed in the Battle of the Somme but who have no known grave. Downton continues to function as a convalescent home, though Isobel Crawley has left to work for the Red Cross in northern France. In 1915, the War Office created "special service" detachments of volunteers and sent them to France, among other countries.

“We're used to Matthew now. God knows who the next heir will be. Probably a chimney sweep from Solihull.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “We're used to Matthew now. God knows who the next heir will be. Probably a chimney sweep from Solihull.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Many Casualties

Matthew Crawley, no longer missing, has been wounded in battle in Amiens, France, and learns that he may be permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Meanwhile at Downton, Tom Branson announces that Czar Nicholas II and his family have been killed.

“Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that's worth having.” — Tom Branson “Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that's worth having.” — Tom Branson

Good News at Last

Lord Grantham announces that the war is over, with a ceasefire to come at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

“Remember — this is not just the end of a long war, but it is the dawn of a new age. God bless you all.” — Lord Grantham “Remember — this is not just the end of a long war, but it is the dawn of a new age. God bless you all.” — Lord Grantham

Ill-Gotten Gains

With the last of the officers gone, Downton returns to normal — almost. Thomas Barrow decides to make money by selling food on the black market. Rationing had been introduced in 1918. And Mr. Bates's estranged wife, Vera, dies from poisoning.

“When a war is over, the first emotion is relief; the second, disappointment.” — Sir Richard Carlisle “When a war is over, the first emotion is relief; the second, disappointment.” — Sir Richard Carlisle

Hit by Spanish Influenza

As preparations are made for the wedding of Matthew Crawley and Lavinia Swire, the Spanish flu sweeps through Downton. Lady Grantham falls ill, and Lavinia dies. In Britain, the influenza pandemic of 1918-19 killed as many as 250,000 people.

“It's a strange disease with sudden, savage changes. I'm terribly sorry.” — Dr. Richard Clarkson “It's a strange disease with sudden, savage changes. I'm terribly sorry.” — Dr. Richard Clarkson

A Death Sentence

Mr. Bates is found guilty of poisoning his estranged wife, Vera, and sentenced to hang before being granted a reprieve of life in prison. At the time, the death penalty was mandatory for murder; capital punishment wasn't abolished in Britain until 1969. Lady Mary calls off her engagement to Sir Richard Carlisle, who is said to be inspired by the powerful press baron Lord Beaverbrook.

“I won't rest until we have you out.” — Anna Bates



“But it may take years. That's if you ever manage it.” — John Bates “I won't rest until we have you out.” — Anna Bates“But it may take years. That's if you ever manage it.” — John Bates

Downton in Dire Straits (1920-21) The Specter of Ruin

Downton is suddenly in jeopardy when Lord Grantham discovers that the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, in which he had invested a large share of his wife's fortune, has gone bankrupt. In reality the railroad passed into government receivership and was later nationalized.

“I refuse to be the failure, the Earl who dropped the torch and let the flame go out.” — Lord Grantham



“Don't worry about me. I'm an American. Have gun, will travel.” — Lady Grantham “I refuse to be the failure, the Earl who dropped the torch and let the flame go out.” — Lord Grantham“Don't worry about me. I'm an American. Have gun, will travel.” — Lady Grantham

On the Brink of a Sale

With their fortune gone and Lady Grantham's rich American mother, Martha Levinson, unable to help, the earl and his wife ponder selling Downton and moving to smaller quarters. Postwar Britain wasn't doing too well in general, facing high unemployment and other economic ills, but the phenomenon of aristocrats selling country estates would continue in the decades to come.

“Mary, a lot of people live in smaller houses than they used to.” — Lady Grantham



“Which only goes to show that you're American and I am English. I shall be Countess of Grantham one day, and in my book the Countess of Grantham lives at Downton Abbey.” — Lady Mary “Mary, a lot of people live in smaller houses than they used to.” — Lady Grantham“Which only goes to show that you're American and I am English. I shall be Countess of Grantham one day, and in my book the Countess of Grantham lives at Downton Abbey.” — Lady Mary

A Health Scare

Mrs. Hughes awaits the results of a biopsy that could indicate breast cancer at a time when excision of the lump and radiation were being studied as an alternative to the traditional treatment, a radical mastectomy.

“So, it is cancer?” — Mr. Carson



“Not until it’s confirmed. But don’t say anything. She’d hate to think the doctor had told you.” — Mrs. Patmore



“He didn’t tell me, Mrs. Patmore. You told me.” — Mr. Carson “So, it is cancer?” — Mr. Carson“Not until it’s confirmed. But don’t say anything. She’d hate to think the doctor had told you.” — Mrs. Patmore“He didn’t tell me, Mrs. Patmore. You told me.” — Mr. Carson

Class Warfare

Republican opponents of the Irish government burn the homes of aristocrats as the War of Independence escalates. Tom Branson flees Dublin following his involvement in the burning of a castle.

“What a harsh world you live in.” — Lord Grantham



“We all live in a harsh world, but at least I know I do.” — Tom Branson “What a harsh world you live in.” — Lord Grantham“We all live in a harsh world, but at least I know I do.” — Tom Branson

A Perilous Birth

When Lady Sybil goes into labor, the local physician Dr. Clarkson argues that she has symptoms of eclampsia and must be taken to the hospital; the famous obstetrician Sir Philip Tapsel disagrees. Lady Sybil remains at Downton but dies after delivering a healthy baby girl. In 1920 some 1,200 of the 6,000 maternal deaths in Britain were thought to be caused by eclampsia.

“She was the only person living who thought you and I were such nice people.” — Lady Mary (speaking to Lady Edith) “She was the only person living who thought you and I were such nice people.” — Lady Mary (speaking to Lady Edith)

Disagreeing Over Religion

After the death of Lady Sybil, Tom Branson hopes to have the baby christened in the Roman Catholic Church. Lord Grantham, echoing the anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent among the upper classes at the time, strongly objects.

“My dearest boy, there is no test on earth greater than the one you have been put to. I do not speak much of the heart since it's seldom helpful to do so. But I know well enough the pain when it is broken.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “My dearest boy, there is no test on earth greater than the one you have been put to. I do not speak much of the heart since it's seldom helpful to do so. But I know well enough the pain when it is broken.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Punished for His Sexuality

Thomas Barrow enters the room of the footman James Kent while he's sleeping and kisses him — just as Alfred Nugent walks in. It wasn't until the Sexual Offences Act 1967 that homosexual acts in private between men 21 and older were decriminalized in Britain.

“So, you're ready to speak out.” — Sarah O'Brien



“I think you're right. I must.” — Alfred Nugent



“Good. He has broken all the fundamental laws of God and man. Report him as you should and then stand back and enjoy his fall.” — Sarah O'Brien “So, you're ready to speak out.” — Sarah O'Brien“I think you're right. I must.” — Alfred Nugent“Good. He has broken all the fundamental laws of God and man. Report him as you should and then stand back and enjoy his fall.” — Sarah O'Brien

An Investment Best Avoided

Lord Grantham briefly considers investing his capital with Charles Ponzi, the financial con man whose name became synonymous with fraud. Ponzi was arrested in August 1920, charged with 86 counts of mail fraud, and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

“There is a chap in America named Charles Ponzi who offers a huge return after 30 days.” — Lord Grantham “There is a chap in America named Charles Ponzi who offers a huge return after 30 days.” — Lord Grantham

A Fateful Trip

When Lady Mary gives birth, Matthew drives off to notify the rest of the family — and is killed in a car crash along the way. With thousands dying annually in automobile accidents in Britain in the 1920s and '30s — the toll in 1933 was said to be larger than the number of British soldiers killed in the Boer War — the country took steps to curb the speed limit.

“Say hello to your son and heir.” — Lady Mary



“Hello, my dearest little chap. I wonder if he has any idea how much joy he brings with him.” — Matthew Crawley “Say hello to your son and heir.” — Lady Mary“Hello, my dearest little chap. I wonder if he has any idea how much joy he brings with him.” — Matthew Crawley

“Susan Flintshire has stolen Mama's maid whilst her daughter's a guest in this house?” — Lady Edith



“I'm sure she wouldn't put it like that.” — Tom Branson



“I don't care how she puts it. It's absolutely disgraceful.” — Lady Edith “Susan Flintshire has stolen Mama's maid whilst her daughter's a guest in this house?” — Lady Edith“I'm sure she wouldn't put it like that.” — Tom Branson“I don't care how she puts it. It's absolutely disgraceful.” — Lady Edith

Death and Taxes (1922-23) Escape to India Lady Grantham's maid sneaks away to work for the Marchioness of Flintshire in Bombay, where her husband is posted at a time of growing tension. Though Gandhi advocated nonviolent civil disobedience in India's struggle for independence from Britain, a brutal clash in February 1922 resulted in his being arrested the next month and sentenced to prison.Breaking the Crystal Ceiling

After it emerges that Lady Mary is indeed Matthew Crawley's sole heir — to Lord Grantham's consternation — the Dowager Countess of Grantham asks Tom Branson, the estate's agent, to educate Lady Mary. Although he will instruct her in running the property, women at the time were fighting for acceptance at British institutions of higher education as well.

“And are we to do all this without telling Papa? Isn't that rather underhand?” — Lady Mary



“There can be too much truth in any relationship.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “And are we to do all this without telling Papa? Isn't that rather underhand?” — Lady Mary“There can be too much truth in any relationship.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Accompaniment to a Crime

Dame Nellie Melba performs at Downton. The renowned Australian soprano reopened the Royal Opera House — playing Mimi in "La Bohème" — in 1919 after being closed for most of World War I. But the defining moment of the episode comes when Lord Gillingham's valet rapes Anna Bates. She begs the housekeeper Mrs. Hughes not to report the attack. It wasn't until the 1970s that Britain reformed what had been described as "the ordeal that faces a victim who wishes to press charges."

“Screaming in the servants' hall, singers chatting to his lordship and the footman cooking the dinner. What a topsy-turvy world we've come to.” — Mr. Carson “Screaming in the servants' hall, singers chatting to his lordship and the footman cooking the dinner. What a topsy-turvy world we've come to.” — Mr. Carson

The Price of Inheritance

The Finance Act of 1919 called for death duties applied on a sliding scale of up to 40 percent on some estates. After Matthew Crawley's death, Lord Grantham considers selling off land while Lady Mary and Tom Branson argue for payments over time. In London, Lady Mary, Lady Rose and others hear a black American jazz singer. The 1919 tour of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, a New Orleans group, is said to have ushered the Jazz Age into Britain.

“I can see I'll spend the rest of my life paying by installments.” — Lord Grantham



“Papa, you're always saying that we're not the owners of Downton but the caretakers. Very well, let's take care of it.” — Lady Mary “I can see I'll spend the rest of my life paying by installments.” — Lord Grantham“Papa, you're always saying that we're not the owners of Downton but the caretakers. Very well, let's take care of it.” — Lady Mary

Turning on the Power

Lady Grantham tries to nudge Downton's kitchen and its cook, Mrs. Patmore, into the 20th century by trading the icebox for a refrigerator. In the early 1920s, electricity was available to only about 10 percent of homes in Britain.

“Mrs. Patmore, is there any aspect of the present day that you can accept without resistance?” — Lady Grantham



“Well, milady, I wouldn’t mind getting rid of my corset.” — Mrs. Patmore “Mrs. Patmore, is there any aspect of the present day that you can accept without resistance?” — Lady Grantham“Well, milady, I wouldn’t mind getting rid of my corset.” — Mrs. Patmore

Missing in Munich

Lady Edith learns that she is pregnant by Michael Gregson, fictional publisher of a real magazine, The Sketch. Michael has gone missing after traveling to Germany, where postwar repercussions have led to much political and economic instability, including assassination attempts and hyperinflation.

“I want to know what's happened. If he's trapped somewhere or falsely imprisoned or even dead! I mean it. If the worst's happened, I want to know. It's just so impossible to plan in this fog.” — Lady Edith



“Well, I'm sure he's not dead.” — Lord Grantham



“No you aren't. Because none of us can be.” — Lady Edith “I want to know what's happened. If he's trapped somewhere or falsely imprisoned or even dead! I mean it. If the worst's happened, I want to know. It's just so impossible to plan in this fog.” — Lady Edith“Well, I'm sure he's not dead.” — Lord Grantham“No you aren't. Because none of us can be.” — Lady Edith

Overseas Scandal

Lord Grantham sails to the United States to support Lady Grantham's brother, who is involved in the Teapot Dome scandal, in which Albert B. Fall, the secretary of the interior under President Harding, accepted bribes for no-bid oil contracts on public land. Meanwhile Lady Edith decides to terminate her pregnancy — which was illegal in Britain until 1967 — but then changes her mind.

“Oh, darling, I do think your going to rescue my hopeless brother is an act of real love, and I cherish you for it.” — Lady Grantham



“That'll keep me warm as I cross the raging seas.” — Lord Grantham “Oh, darling, I do think your going to rescue my hopeless brother is an act of real love, and I cherish you for it.” — Lady Grantham“That'll keep me warm as I cross the raging seas.” — Lord Grantham

A Defiant Proposal

Lady Rose announces her intention to marry the black jazz singer, Jack Ross — a move that Lady Mary advises him against. Although interracial marriages weren't against the law in Britain, polls even decades later would find a majority of Britons disapproved.

“I hope we're brave enough for this.” — Jack Ross



“Of course we are. Isn't it time people knew that there are bigger and better values than the mean-spirited ones they live by?” — Lady Rose “I hope we're brave enough for this.” — Jack Ross“Of course we are. Isn't it time people knew that there are bigger and better values than the mean-spirited ones they live by?” — Lady Rose

For Monarchy's Sake

Lady Rose meets the Prince of Wales and his mistress, Freda Dudley Ward, who shows off a letter from her paramour. When the letter is stolen, a plan is soon underway to steal it back for the sake of the monarchy. In 2003, more than 300 of perhaps thousands of letters the prince wrote to Mrs. Dudley Ward — with whom he cut ties in 1934 when he met Wallis Simpson — were offered for auction.

“Do you want the heir to the throne to be lampooned across the world with a story that will never sleep, even when he's safely crowned and married to a foreign princess?” — Lord Grantham



“No, but I can't help feeling he's brought it down on his own head.” — Lady Mary “Do you want the heir to the throne to be lampooned across the world with a story that will never sleep, even when he's safely crowned and married to a foreign princess?” — Lord Grantham“No, but I can't help feeling he's brought it down on his own head.” — Lady Mary

Contemplating New Horizons (1924) An Imperiled Aristocracy

Britain's first Labor government takes office under Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, who is the illegitimate son of a Scottish farm worker. Though upstairs Lord Grantham stews about the new party in power and downstairs the servants hope the leadership finally understands the concept of hard work, the government would be dissolved in less than a year.

“What is your main objection to Mr. MacDonald? That the prime minister is the son of a crofter?” — Lady Mary





“I couldn’t care less if he was the son of Fu Manchu. What worries me is that our government is committed to the destruction of people like us and everything we stand for.” — Lord Grantham “What is your main objection to Mr. MacDonald? That the prime minister is the son of a crofter?” — Lady Mary“I couldn’t care less if he was the son of Fu Manchu. What worries me is that our government is committed to the destruction of people like us and everything we stand for.” — Lord Grantham

Tending to the Displaced

Lady Rose decides to invest her efforts in helping the onslaught of Russian refugees following the Russian revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union, which was officially recognized by Britain in 1924. Lord Grantham, meanwhile, finally agrees to allow a wireless in Downton, the better to hear King George V speak at the opening of the British Empire Exhibition on April 23, 1924.

“They’re scattered all over Europe, poor devils. Trying to establish communities, to save what’s left of their culture after the ravages of revolution. Ghastly for them, eh Tom?” — Lord Grantham



“I feel sorry for anyone exiled from their own country.” — Tom Branson



“The exiles are the lucky ones. I pity those who stayed behind, only to be tortured and murdered in the thousands.” — Lord Grantham “They’re scattered all over Europe, poor devils. Trying to establish communities, to save what’s left of their culture after the ravages of revolution. Ghastly for them, eh Tom?” — Lord Grantham“I feel sorry for anyone exiled from their own country.” — Tom Branson“The exiles are the lucky ones. I pity those who stayed behind, only to be tortured and murdered in the thousands.” — Lord Grantham

“Granny has a past. Thank heavens Papa and Aunt Rosamund were already born, or we could spin all sorts of fairy tales.” — Lady Mary “Granny has a past. Thank heavens Papa and Aunt Rosamund were already born, or we could spin all sorts of fairy tales.” — Lady Mary

An Affair to Remember Lady Rose invites members of the displaced Russian aristocracy to tea at Downton, and Lord Grantham retrieves memorabilia from the trip his mother, the Dowager Countess, and father made to St. Petersburg in 1874 for the marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Grand Duchess Maria. Two ceremonies -- Eastern Orthodox and Anglican -- were conducted, and the nuptials were celebrated as a holiday throughout England.A Clash With the Brownshirts

Lady Edith receives word that the missing Michael Gregson got into a fight in Germany with a gang of Sturmabteilung, or Brownshirts, the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party that aided Hitler's ascendency.

“Apparently there's a trial going on in Munich of the leader of a group of thugs there.” — Lady Edith



“I read about this. They wear brown shirts and go around bullying people. The leader tried to start a revolution last year.” — Lord Grantham “Apparently there's a trial going on in Munich of the leader of a group of thugs there.” — Lady Edith“I read about this. They wear brown shirts and go around bullying people. The leader tried to start a revolution last year.” — Lord Grantham

Dare to Go Bare

Lady Rose reads about the Moonella Group, Britain's first nudist colony, in Wickford in Essex. The private property, whose owner's true identity is still uncertain, was populated by members of the English Gymnosophical Society, an organization inspired by the writings of Harold Booth. He was a proponent of British Naturism, which promoted nudity, asceticism and meditation. The colony was replaced by a new site near St. Albans.

“What do you mean a man's opened a colony in Essex?” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham







“Not that sort of colony, Mama. It's for people who want to take all their clothes off..” — Lord Grantham



“In Essex? Isn't it terribly damp?” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “What do you mean a man's opened a colony in Essex?” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham“Not that sort of colony, Mama. It's for people who want to take all their clothes off..” — Lord Grantham“In Essex? Isn't it terribly damp?” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

A Roof Over Everyone's Head

Lord Grantham announces that he will present drawings with ideas for renovating the rundown houses in the village. The poor fitness of many World War I recruits, resulting from substandard living conditions, and a dearth of affordable housing afterward led to the passing of the Housing Act of 1919, meant to offer government subsidies for the construction of hundreds of thousands of new homes. Additional acts in the 1920s made housing a social service.

“Why is there such a building spurt?” — Lady Rose



“Because the war showed how half the population were very badly housed.” — Lady Mary



“They were shocked by how unhealthy some of the new recruits were. You cannot expect to get an A1 population out of C3 homes.” — Lord Grantham “Why is there such a building spurt?” — Lady Rose“Because the war showed how half the population were very badly housed.” — Lady Mary“They were shocked by how unhealthy some of the new recruits were. You cannot expect to get an A1 population out of C3 homes.” — Lord Grantham

Unfulfilled Promises

Daisy mourns the succession of crises and failed plans that resulted in the end of Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald's Labor government, which lasted in power for less than a year.

“Don't take it personally.” — Mrs. Patmore



“But I do. When I think about it, it seems to me that we're trapped, held fast in a system that gives us no value and no freedom.” — Daisy



“Oh, speak for yourself.” — Mrs. Patmore



“I am. I do. And now I'm wondering: is it worth it, me trying to better myself? What's the point?” — Daisy “Don't take it personally.” — Mrs. Patmore“But I do. When I think about it, it seems to me that we're trapped, held fast in a system that gives us no value and no freedom.” — Daisy“Oh, speak for yourself.” — Mrs. Patmore“I am. I do. And now I'm wondering: is it worth it, me trying to better myself? What's the point?” — Daisy

Religious Differences

Lady Rose, who is Anglican, marries Atticus Aldridge, who is Jewish, to the displeasure of her mother and his father. The Dowager Countess of Grantham recalls another famous intermarriage, in March 1878, between the Fifth Earl of Rosebery and Hannah de Rothschild, a member of the Jewish banking family and the richest woman in Britain. Despite anti-Semitism among the aristocracy, the guests at the wedding included the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who gave the bride away.

“Doesn’t it mean anything to you that we have lost our money, that we have lost our position, that we have lost everything that the children have grown up expecting as their right, and now you want Rose to be an outcast?” — Lady Flintshire



“I’m not saying everything will be easy from now on. But who has a life where everything is easy? Not us.” — Lord Flintshire



“And God knows not her.” — Lady Flintshire “Doesn’t it mean anything to you that we have lost our money, that we have lost our position, that we have lost everything that the children have grown up expecting as their right, and now you want Rose to be an outcast?” — Lady Flintshire“I’m not saying everything will be easy from now on. But who has a life where everything is easy? Not us.” — Lord Flintshire“And God knows not her.” — Lady Flintshire

Love and Double Standards

Lord Sinderby continues to condemn Lady Rose's parents for getting a divorce — until his own mistress shows up with their young son at Brancaster Castle, and Rose saves her new father-in-law from disaster. Though divorce had been legally allowed in Britain since 1858, it was difficult to obtain until 1923, when the Matrimonial Causes Act put women on a par with men and made adultery the only reason for divorce. Previously women had to find more than one ground. Still, there remained a social stigma attached to divorce.

“Rose, my dear, you are clever, kind and resourceful, and I wish to put it on record that I see now that we are lucky to have you in the family. I shall be inviting your parents to stay as soon as it's convenient.” — Lord Sinderby



“You don't have to.” — Lady Rose



“Oh, I think I do. We all know that people who live in glass houses are ill-advised to throw stones.” — Lord Sinderby “Rose, my dear, you are clever, kind and resourceful, and I wish to put it on record that I see now that we are lucky to have you in the family. I shall be inviting your parents to stay as soon as it's convenient.” — Lord Sinderby“You don't have to.” — Lady Rose“Oh, I think I do. We all know that people who live in glass houses are ill-advised to throw stones.” — Lord Sinderby

The Beginning of the End (1925) Trimming Extravangances

Hundreds of Britain’s historic estates are sold after World War I as their owners face soaring expenses, taxation and death duties, as well as the fact that their way of life has fallen out of fashion. Lord Grantham — not content, he says, to feel out of step with his fellow man — comes to the realization that Downton Abbey cannot continue to exist with so many servants on the payroll and decides to downsize.

“But a butler, underbutler, footman, valet, ladies maids, to say nothing of the housemaids, the kitchen, the laundry, the gardens . . . ” — Lord Grantham



“You think it’s a bit too much in 1925.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham



“The wage bill is three times what it was before the war. Soon it will be worse. And anyway, who lives as we used to, now?” — Lord Grantham



“I don’t think you’ll see much change at the palace.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “But a butler, underbutler, footman, valet, ladies maids, to say nothing of the housemaids, the kitchen, the laundry, the gardens . . . ” — Lord Grantham“You think it’s a bit too much in 1925.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham“The wage bill is three times what it was before the war. Soon it will be worse. And anyway, who lives as we used to, now?” — Lord Grantham“I don’t think you’ll see much change at the palace.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Land in Transition

Daisy worries about Mr. Mason's fate because of her outburst with Mr. Henderson, the new owner of Mallerton Hall, who has chosen to dismiss some of the estate’s tenant farmers, many of whose families have worked the land for generations. But it wasn’t all bad news in 1920s Britain as some tenants — having saved money money after post-World War I laws restricted rent increases and set minimum crop prices — were able to buy the land they farmed as parcels of the great estates were sold off.

“I just can't bear it for our William's dad to be thrown out of his farm when it's all my fault.” — Daisy



“To start with, I don't think it is your fault. Mr. Henderson was angry, but he wouldn't change his plans for that and the truth is, they are taking a lot of the estate in hand.” — Lady Grantham “I just can't bear it for our William's dad to be thrown out of his farm when it's all my fault.” — Daisy“To start with, I don't think it is your fault. Mr. Henderson was angry, but he wouldn't change his plans for that and the truth is, they are taking a lot of the estate in hand.” — Lady Grantham

A Hobby Fit for a King

Denker and Spratt continue to find fault with each other as they worry about their job security. Denker’s latest irritation: Spratt’s fascination with philately, or stamp collecting. But he kept good company — namely, King George V, who by the early 1930s had filled more than 300 albums with the world’s rarest stamps. Under his reign, the British Post Office also issued its first commemorative stamps, in honor of the British Empire Exhibition in April 1924, created to stimulate trade and strength bonds between Britain and the 58 countries it ruled.

“What is that?” —Denker



“A stamp to mark the British Empire exhibition. Just been released. First commemorative stamp ever.” — Spratt



“What's that great lion doing?” — Denker



“It's the lion of Britain with the head of the king.” — Spratt



“Hm! I think it's silly.” — Denker



“Because you understand nothing.” — Spratt “What is that?” —Denker“A stamp to mark the British Empire exhibition. Just been released. First commemorative stamp ever.” — Spratt“What's that great lion doing?” — Denker“It's the lion of Britain with the head of the king.” — Spratt“Hm! I think it's silly.” — Denker“Because you understand nothing.” — Spratt

A Woman's Work

Lady Rosamund invites John Harding, the treasurer of Hillcroft, a residential college for clever women from modest backgrounds, to Downton to introduce Lady Edith as a possible board trustee. On his arm as Mrs. Harding: Gwen, a former Downton housemaid who, with Lady Sybil's help, became a secretary and then entered local government. In fact, the 1920s were a time of achievement in education and politics for women: admission to Oxford and the English bar as well as the first female veterinarian, chartered surveyor, Labour MP, Lord Mayor of London and King's Officer of Southampton.

“She got away to be a secretary, and now she's having lunch upstairs while we're still stuck down here. [But] they won't recognize her. They don't look us in the face enough.” — Daisy



“I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pâté.” — Mrs. Patmore “She got away to be a secretary, and now she's having lunch upstairs while we're still stuck down here. [But] they won't recognize her. They don't look us in the face enough.” — Daisy“I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pâté.” — Mrs. Patmore

Friends in High Places

The Dowager Countess schemes to bring Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, to Downton — the better to persuade him to join her crusade to save the Cottage Hospital from York's takeover plans. More than a decade later, he would go on to become prime minister, serving from May 1937 to May 1940.

“I admit I’m quite interested. But when it comes to getting him here, I would say you have no more chance than a cat in hell without claws.” — Lord Grantham



“We’ll see.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham “I admit I’m quite interested. But when it comes to getting him here, I would say you have no more chance than a cat in hell without claws.” — Lord Grantham“We’ll see.” — Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Putting Out the Welcome Mat

Downton Abbey opens its doors to the public for a day to benefit the Cottage Hospital, prompting Lord Grantham and his mother, the Dowager Countess, to wonder what on earth outsiders could possibly want to see. A dying way of life, perhaps. By some tallies, more than 400 stately homes closed their doors, to be sold off or torn down, in the decade following World War I. By 1955, it is estimated that a house was demolished every five days.

“And what are they paying to see? We've nothing to show them. A decent Reynolds, a couple of Romneys and a Winterhalter — that's your lot. They'd do better taking a train for London and visiting the Tate.” — Lord Grantham



“People want to see a different sort of home. It's not the things in it.” — Lady Mary



“How the other half lives.” — Lord Grantham “And what are they paying to see? We've nothing to show them. A decent Reynolds, a couple of Romneys and a Winterhalter — that's your lot. They'd do better taking a train for London and visiting the Tate.” — Lord Grantham“People want to see a different sort of home. It's not the things in it.” — Lady Mary“How the other half lives.” — Lord Grantham

There Goes Speed Racer

Henry Talbot invites the Crawleys to watch him drive against his close friend Charlie Rogers at Brooklands. The first track built, in 1907, specifically for automobile racing, it partly inspired the construction of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway two years later. It also gave Britain's fledgling automotive industry a place for high-speed testing after the Motor Car Act of 1903 limited speeds on Britain's public roads to 20 miles per hour.

“I can’t begin to tell you what it means to me that you came today.” — Henry Talbot



“I hope so, because my digestive system is packed up completely.” — Lady Mary



“I’m going to be fine. Mary, you must credit me with some skill. Now, when I pass you, I expect to see you cheer and wave.” — Henry Talbot



“Does praying count?” — Lady Mary “I can’t begin to tell you what it means to me that you came today.” — Henry Talbot“I hope so, because my digestive system is packed up completely.” — Lady Mary“I’m going to be fine. Mary, you must credit me with some skill. Now, when I pass you, I expect to see you cheer and wave.” — Henry Talbot“Does praying count?” — Lady Mary

Soaring into a New Era

After the sixth Marquess of Hexham dies in Tangiers, Bertie Pelham — Lady Edith's beau, who has proposed marriage, and the marquess's heir, to the dismay of Lady Mary — must journey to Morocco to handle the affairs. His preferred mode of travel: by air, a daring undertaking given that commercial aviation in Britain was only a few years old. In January 1922, the government established the Civil Air Transport Subsidies Committee to help nurture the burgeoning industry and expand commercial service throughout the British Empire. Four small airline companies were merged to form Imperial Airways — the predecessor to British Airways.