Get Ready for Downton Abbey 2

What Fans Will Want to Watch and Read First

Downton Abbey: A New Era comes out on May 20, 2022. This gives you a chance to catch up on the addictive series and the 2019 movie depicting the lives of an aristocratic British family and their servants during the post-Edwardian era of the early 20th century.

For now, you can preorder your copy of Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion, featuring spectacular photographs from the production of the new film, interviews with the cast and crew, and insight from Downton writer and creator Julian Fellowes.

Time for Watch Parties!

Whether you’re new to Downton Abbey or just looking to refresh your memory on the complex network of interweaving storylines, we’ve got the goods. Here is a listing of the six seasons and the 2019 film, with a brief description for each. We won’t be getting into much of the plot, because it would involve too many spoilers! But you can pick up copies of any season if you’d like to watch for yourself. Plus, right now you’ll earn bonus points with the purchase of new Downton Abbey DVDs. You can get the full series here.

Beginning in 1912, season one introduces the problem of inheritance for the Crawley estate. Patriarch Robert, aka Lord Grantham, is married to Cora, an American heiress whose dowry helped resolve financial difficulties inherited from his father. But they have only daughters, none of whom can legally inherit the family title and estate. Eldest daughter, Mary, is engaged to her second cousin, future heir of the estate, but fate intervenes when he goes down with the Titanic. This leads to the introduction of Matthew, a dashing new heir presumptive.

Season two, covering 1916–1918, is punctuated by more major historical events, i.e., WWI and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Downton Abbey is temporarily converted into an officers’ convalescent hospital, leading to some complicated situations for both family and personnel. After Matthew returns injured from war, he and Mary finally acknowledge their love for one another. Youngest daughter Sybil bucks tradition by marrying the family’s new chauffeur.

The long-awaited marriage of Mary and Matthew kicks off season three, which begins in 1920 and sees the expansion of the Crawley clan with the arrival of a new generation. We can’t say much more about what happens in this season, but it’s all very dramatic!

Season four, starting in 1922, finds Mary taking on more responsibilities at Downton. Perennially unlucky-in-love third daughter, Edith, falls in love with the editor of a magazine she has started writing for.

It’s 1924 at the beginning of season five when Russian exile Prince Kuragin arrives at Downton to declare his long-held affections for the Dowager countess, Lady Violet. Apparently they had a fiery affair once upon a time, but she’s just not that into him.

Season six, covering 1925, sees more change at Downton as the middle class rises and many of these types of aristocratic estates struggle for survival. This leads to reductions in staff and everyone must step up and do their part.

This progression continues in the first film, set in 1927 as King George V and Queen Mary descend on Downton Abbey and it proves quite an undertaking for the family and remaining servants to manage the heavy responsibilities of a royal visit.

A Host of Downton Literature

For diehard fans, here are some titles to consider, including companion volumes, cookbooks, and more.

Downton Abbey—A Celebration: The Official Companion to All Six Seasons by Jessica FellowesThis collector’s volume offers a trip back through the history of this remarkable show, reliving the iconic moments of the Crawley family and their servants as they navigate the emerging modern age.

Downton Abbey: The Official Film Companion by Emma Marriott
Featuring spectacular photographs from the production, interviews with the cast and crew, and a look into the historical and geographical backdrop of the film, this official guide will be treasured and loved by fans.

A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey: Seasonal Celebrations, Traditions, and Recipes by Jessica Fellowes
Packed full of exclusive new photographs and a delicious array of traditional British recipes, this gorgeous book explores the events and celebrations over the course of a full turn of the seasons at the great estate.

The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook by Annie Gray, includes over 100 recipes that showcase the cookery and customs of the Crawley household—from dinner party centerpieces to everyday puddings and pies. And for a proper tea party, The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook offers classic recipes for sweets and savories, etiquette notes, and general British teatime know-how.

Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
Said to be the inspiration for Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton itself, this memoir provides the firsthand account of how a 15-year-old kitchen maid spent her days on a 1920s British estate.

Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon
The author, a real-life countess, used scrapbooks, diaries, and archives to construct the tale of the beautiful and spirited American woman who married the earl and presided over the grand Highclere Castle (Downton’s real name) during the 1920s.

While We were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax
From the bestselling author of My Ex-Best Friend's Wedding comes the story of four friends who share a passion for a beloved British television show that will change all of their lives.

Hopefully this guide provides everything you need to immerse yourself in the tantalizing world of Downton Abbey and get ready to enjoy the newest installment of this wildly popular franchise.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon