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

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 Crawleys watch Henry compete in a motor racing event, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Miss Denker, and learns…

Bertie’s circumstances change suddenly, leaving Edith uncertain whether to risk telling him the truth or keep her past a secret at all costs. Mary wonders if she can ever make…

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…

Relations between Robert and Cora continue to be strained. Blake’s scheming starts to come to fruition when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news…

Rosamund shows up at Downton following Edith’s surprise departure. Rose is pleased to introduce Atticus and his parents to everyone. Anna and Bates think about a fresh start, now that…

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…

New mother Mary is finding it hard to come to terms with Matthew’s shocking death. Robert and Violet fall out over how to handle the situation. Jimmy takes an interest…

Mary starts to get over the grief she is feeling, and takes an interest in the running of the estate. Lady Rose MacClare, Lady Flintshire’s daughter, ends up in a…

A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose’s surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs. A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with…

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…