Downton Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Downton Abbey |
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| Genre | Historical period drama |
| Created by | Julian Fellowes |
| Written by |
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| Starring |
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| Opening theme | "Did I Make the Most of Loving You?" |
| Composer(s) | John Lunn |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 6 |
| No. of episodes | 52 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Production location(s) | Highclere Castle |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 47–93 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
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| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Picture format | 1080i HDTV |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | 26 September 2010 – 25 December 2015 |
Downton Abbey is a very popular British TV show. It's a historical drama, which means it tells a story set in the past. This show takes place in England during the early 1900s, a time of big changes.
The story is about the wealthy Crawley family and their many servants. They all live together in a grand country house called Downton Abbey. The show explores their lives, their relationships, and how they deal with major world events like World War I.
The show was created and partly written by Julian Fellowes. It first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV on 26 September 2010. In the United States, it started on PBS on 9 January 2011.
The TV series ran for six seasons. The final episode was a special Christmas show broadcast on 25 December 2015. After the TV show ended, a movie was made. It was released in the United Kingdom on 13 September 2019.
Contents
What is Downton Abbey About?
Downton Abbey shows the lives of two groups of people: the aristocratic Crawley family, who own the house, and their dedicated staff of servants. The show highlights the differences and connections between these two worlds.
The Crawley Family
The Crawley family is led by Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, and his American wife, Cora. They have three daughters: Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Lady Sybil. The story often focuses on their challenges, romances, and how they adapt to a changing society.
The Servants
Downstairs, the servants work hard to keep the large estate running smoothly. Characters like Mr. Carson the butler, Mrs. Hughes the housekeeper, and Anna the head housemaid are central to the story. Their lives, friendships, and struggles are just as important as those of the family upstairs.
Setting the Scene: The Early 1900s
The show starts in 1912, right after the sinking of the RMS Titanic. It then moves through the years, covering important historical moments.
Historical Events in the Show
- World War I: The war greatly impacts everyone at Downton, from the soldiers fighting to the family turning their home into a hospital.
- The Roaring Twenties: As the show continues into the 1920s, you see changes in fashion, technology, and social rules. Women gain more independence, and new inventions like radios become popular.
The Real Downton Abbey
The beautiful house used for filming Downton Abbey is a real place called Highclere Castle. It's a grand country house located in Hampshire, England. Many of the indoor and outdoor scenes were filmed there.
Characters You'll Meet
The show has a large cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and story.
Main Characters
- Lady Mary Crawley: The eldest daughter, often seen as strong-willed and sometimes stubborn.
- Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham: The head of the family, who tries to keep traditions alive.
- Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham: Robert's American wife, who often brings a more modern view.
- Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham: Robert's mother, known for her sharp wit and memorable one-liners. She is played by the famous actress Maggie Smith.
- Mr. Carson: The very proper and loyal butler who oversees all the male servants.
- Mrs. Hughes: The kind and sensible housekeeper who manages the female staff.
- Anna Bates: A loyal and hardworking housemaid, whose story often involves romance and challenges.
- Thomas Barrow: A footman who later becomes the under-butler. He is a complex character.
Why is it Popular?
Downton Abbey became popular around the world for many reasons. People loved the beautiful costumes, the grand settings, and the interesting stories. It gives viewers a peek into a different time period and how people lived. The show also won many awards for its acting, writing, and production.
Images for kids
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Michelle Dockery plays Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest Grantham daughter.
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Dan Stevens plays Matthew Crawley.
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Allen Leech plays Tom Branson, the chauffeur who marries into the Crawley family.
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Highclere Castle as Downton Abbey
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Penelope Wilton (left) plays Isobel Crawley; Jim Carter plays the butler, Mr Carson.
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Robert James-Collier plays the footman turned under-butler, Mr Thomas Barrow.
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Highclere Castle, Hampshire (Downton Abbey, interior and exterior)
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Byfleet Manor, Surrey (the Dower House)
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Bampton, Oxfordshire (Downton village)
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St Mary's Church, Bampton (St Michael and All Angels, Downton)
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Bampton Library, Bampton (Downton Cottage Hospital)
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Churchgate House (the old rectory), Bampton (Isobel Crawley's house)
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Kingston Bagpuize House, Oxfordshire (Cavenham Park)
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Bridgewater House, Westminster, London (Grantham House)
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Inveraray Castle, Argyll (Duneagle Castle, home of the fictional Lord and Lady Flintshire)
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Beamish Museum, County Durham (York, 2019 film)
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See also
In Spanish: Downton Abbey para niños
