Episode 1
Life has taken drastic turns as World War One creates changes in the household. There is some startling news for Lady Mary, and unexpected visitor for a member of the staff.
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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.