The estate’s future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts…

Edith’s wedding day arrives but will her enthusiasm be able to convince the family that Strallan’s age doesn’t really matter. Mrs Hughes awaits her results. Anna manages to make a…

An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion in the house. Isobel ends up throwing Ethel a lifeline. Ivy is attracting plenty of attention below stairs. Anna’s perseverance finally pays off…

Tempers are left on edge after a kind gesture by Isobel backfires. Mary attempts to fight Branson’s corner after his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Cora’s relationship feels…

There’s excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Robert’s competitive side. Violet’s great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to…

Lady Mary’s meddling gets Mr Carson into trouble with Mrs Hughes. Cora and Violet lock horns over the hospital takeover plans. Robert has a tough decision to make.

Preparations for the wedding of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are under way. Edith meets up with an old acquaintance. Spratt has something to hide.

Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet’s plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason…

The house is made open to the public to raise money for the hospital, an act that divides opinions among the family and the servants. Tensions between Violet and Cora…

It is now 1925, when secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs are faced with social changes.

Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora. Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting. Rose encounters a handsome stranger. Determined to stop Isobel making the…

Preparations are under way for Rose’s wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she…

The story moves on to 1924, when the first ever Labour government heralds a sea change that is felt throughout the nation – nowhere more so than at Downton. A…

Mary’s secret assignation is very nearly blown, but Violet’s quick thinking saves the day. Robert is left red faced and furious when things do not go as planned. The events…

The Great War unsettles life at Downton and surprising news about Matthew rocks the family. New maid Ethel irritates O’Brien – and Bates returns with devastating news for Anna.

Carson is finding it tough maintaining standards in the house, and the suicide of a young officer prompts Isobel to suggest converting Downton Abbey into a convalescent hospital.

After Downton is turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers, Matthew brings a general to visit, but Branson has a surprise in store. And is Lavinia hiding something?

Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora. Ethel’s flirtation with Major Bryant lands her in hot water. There is worrying news about Matthew. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil.

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy’s relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera threatens to expose old secrets.

Matthew Crawley and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, and have difficulty settling in. Carson is mortified when confronted by his past. Violet attempts to promote a match between Matthew…

Mrs Hughes finds herself the focus of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position. Violet and Isobel clash over a medical ailment affecting Molesley….

Cora’s pregnancy throws the inheritance issue into doubt. Matthew must wait for an answer to his wedding proposal. O’Brien discovers more compromising information about Bates. Thomas leaves.