Starting with the shock of the Titanic 's sinking and ending with the snow-covered peace of a new era, Downton Abbey took us on a six-season journey through the shifting sands of British aristocracy. Whether you're here for the sharp-tongued wit of the Dowager Countess or the high-stakes drama of the servants' hall, this complete recap covers the defining moments of the Crawley family and their loyal staff.
The series begins in 1912 with the news of the Titanic disaster, which claims the lives of the Crawley heirs and leaves the estate in a precarious position. This set the stage for years of tension over the "entail" and the arrival of the middle-class Matthew Crawley.
Fans were left "dumbstruck" by the sudden death of Matthew Crawley in a car accident at the end of Season 3, just after the birth of his heir. This followed the earlier, equally tragic loss of Lady Sybil during childbirth. Upstairs: The Crawley Sisters' Journeys
The Great War brought profound changes. Matthew and William went missing in action, and the Abbey was converted into a convalescent home.
The rivalry between Mary and Edith defined the show's domestic drama.
