Dowager Countess of Grantham
The Right Honourable Violet Crawley, played by Dame Maggie Smith.
Never short of an opinion nor afraid to voice it, she is fiercely loyal to her son Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham.
Matthew Crawley
Matthew Crawley, played by Dan Stevens, is a middle-class solicitor from Manchester.
Matthew is the only son of the late Dr Reginald and Isobel Crawley, and set to become the heir to the Grantham estate and earldom.
Isobel Crawley
Isobel Crawley, played by the Penelope Wilton, is the widow of Dr Reginald Crawley and cousin Matthew's mother.
Well-educated and a trained nurse, her values are at odds with many of her family - battles with Voilet ensue.
Lady Edith Crawley
Lady Edith Crawley, played by Laura Carmichael, is the second daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham.
Resentful that she is forced to live in her sister Mary's shadow, Edith struggles to find her place in the world
Lady Rosamund Painswick
Lady Rosamund Painswick, played by Samantha Bond, is widow of wealthy banker Marmaduke Painswick.
Living alone in London leaves her with plenty of time for her favourite activity - meddling in family affairs.
Beryl Patmore
Mrs. Beryl Patmore, played by Lesley Nicol, is the cook at Downton Abbey.
She spends her time bossing around Daisy, whilst hiding her dwindling eye-sight.
When's it on?
18 July 2013, 14:50
Episode 1 Series 1
The sinking of the Titanic leaves Downton Abbey's future in jeopardy, and the arrival of the new valet, John Bates, shocks the…
19 July 2013, 14:40
Episode 2 Series 1
Everyone is anxious at the arrival of Matthew Crawley, the heir presumptive, and his mother, and Carson is mortified to be…
22 July 2013, 13:30
Episode 3 Series 1
Mary is attracted to handsome Turkish attaché Kemal Pamuk. However, their romance is cut short, sending ripples of unease through…
23 July 2013, 15:15
Episode 4 Series 1
The fair arrives in the village and Mrs Hughes finds herself the centre of speculation when a former suitor makes her question…
24 July 2013, 15:10
Episode 5 Series 1
The village is preparing for its annual show where Mary is introduced to Sir Anthony Strallan, yet she appears to be more…
25 July 2013, 15:15
Episode 6 Series 1
Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected twist whilst the question of the wine thief is brought to a head with a…
26 July 2013, 14:20
Episode 7 Series 1
Cora's news throws Matthew's future into jeopardy and makes Mary question the proposal. Meanwhile, Thomas and Gwen find a new…
29 July 2013, 13:10
Episode 1 Series 2
The Great War unsettles life at Downton and Isobel's surprising news about Matthew rocks the family further.
30 July 2013, 15:10
Episode 2 Series 2
Carson strives to keep standards high with disastrous personal consequences.
31 July 2013, 15:10
Episode 3 Series 2
Downton is turned upside down with the arrival of the wounded officers, and William's return results in an awkward surprise…
1 August 2013, 15:10
Episode 4 Series 2
Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora, and there's worrying news about Matthew and William.
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The Crawley Quiz
Know The Family Tree?
Do you know everything there is to know about the Crawley family and their household staff? Put your knowledge to the test with the Crawley Quiz...