Downton Abby season 1 proved to be a hit on TV. Its popularity around the world was instantaneous and most people could relate to the program because within its script it covered the upper class of England and the working class. Superbly acted by a stunning line up of actors, you will not be disappointed if you enjoy shows from this era.

This is one show where you can put your feet up, watch the entertaining antics of the era and feel thoroughly entertained and relaxed at the end of it.

The Setting

The setting is spectacular being filmed in and around the mythical and regal castle Downton Abby castle in Yorkshire England. During the filming we are taken around the breathtakingly decorated upper floors with their rich wood paneling and down to the huge servants' quarters. There are trips through hallways and stairways, into ballrooms, studies and bedrooms.

Downton Abby Story Line Season 1

This Edwardian period piece stars the ever so popular Dame Maggie Smith as Violet, the mother-in-law who wields a lot of power and advice to her daughter, the wealthy Cora Crawley. Maggie has quite an acerbic tongue and does not mind using it to show her superiority. It was the money from this family that helped the Crawley family at the time of Cora's marriage to Robert and Violet does not let anyone in the family forget it.

The intertwining of the life of the wealthy landowners, the Crawley family with the Earl of Grantham, Robert (Hugh Crawley) and his American wife, Cora Crawley (Elizabreth McGovern) and their three daughters, within society, and within their own household is displayed at many different levels. The daughters are of marriageable age and vie for the affections of the various bachelors.

Romance is forbidden between staff in the lower floors, on threat of dismissal, so the simpering love affairs and intrigues that develop amongst the staff keeps the viewer riveted.

The story revolves around the passing on of the fortune of Downton Abby to the next in line and that is James Crawley who is engaged to marry Lady Mary, the eldest daughter and thereby keep Cora's wealth and fortune in the family.

The season starts at the time of the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 where the family loses James to drowning.

The only solution then is that Cora's fortune will go to the next heir apparent, a doctor, whom is a distant cousin of Robert's who is the son of a commoner.

Daughters are not left to be land owners in the will in that era so it is important that the eldest daughter is encouraged to marry the doctor. Is this going to happen?

Period Costumes

If you admire the costumes of the time you will not be disappointed as the women's clothing is exquisite and the men do themselves proud being dressed in well cut attire.

One cannot but help laugh at some of the events that have been written into this show. There are the very serious moments affecting the upper class with their concerns about 'doing the right thing' in society or appearing to be doing the right thing and more serious moments as you see the undercurrent that runs amongst the staff in the servants quarters.

The end of Downton Abby season 1 comes when World War 1 is declared.

This truly is a masterpiece and its popularity around the world is testament to its brilliant acting, script writing, costumes and direction.

Even if you think Downton Abbey is not your style you may still want to give it a shot. I didn't think it was my style either, but after a few episodes I quickly found that I love this great show and I think you may as well.