Season 2
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.
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...
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, 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, 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, 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, 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.
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.