50 Facts About Downton Abbey (TV Series)

The Origins and Inspiration Behind Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey, a British historical drama, has captured hearts worldwide. Its rich storytelling and historical accuracy make it a standout series. Let's explore some fascinating facts about its origins and inspiration.

1. Inspiration from American Shows
   Julian Fellowes, the series creator, drew inspiration from American TV shows like E.R. and Chicago Hope. These shows featured multiple storylines and complex characters, which influenced Downton Abbey's structure.

2. Highclere Castle as Downton Abbey
   Highclere Castle, located in Hampshire, England, serves as the primary filming location. This estate has been home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon since 1679. It's open to the public and can be rented for weddings and private events.

3. Historical Accuracy
   The show is known for its historical accuracy. Highclere Castle was used as a recovery hospital for soldiers during World War I, mirroring the storyline in Season 2.

4. Costume Authenticity
   Many costumes are actual articles of clothing from the 1910s and 1920s. These fragile garments cannot be laundered, often resulting in them not smelling very good.

Casting Choices and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

The casting choices and behind-the-scenes stories add another layer of intrigue to Downton Abbey. Here are some interesting tidbits about the actors and their roles.

5. Casting Choices
   Roles were often written specifically for certain actors. Hugh Bonneville, Brendan Coyle, and Maggie Smith had parts tailored to their talents.

6. Gillian Anderson's Role
   Gillian Anderson was approached to play Cora Crawley but turned down the role. Elizabeth McGovern ultimately portrayed the character.

7. Laura Carmichael's Audition
   Laura Carmichael, who played Lady Edith, initially thought the role would be small. She was working as a receptionist when she read for the part and was surprised to find it was a lead role.

8. Instant Success
   Downton Abbey became an almost instant success. By 2013, it had become the highest-rated show on PBS's Masterpiece, with over 120 million viewers tuning in from 200 countries and regions.

9. Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville's Previous Collaboration
   Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville had previously played spouses in a short-lived BBC sitcom called Freezing.

10. Bedroom Sets
    Due to budget constraints, there was only one bedroom set used for the characters of Cora, Mary, and Edith. The set was redecorated frequently to match the different rooms required for each character.

Production Costs and Royal Fans

The production of Downton Abbey was a costly affair, but it paid off with a massive fan base, including some royal admirers.

11. Episode Production Costs
    Each episode cost more than £1 million (approximately $1.5 million) to produce, reflecting the show's strict attention to detail and authenticity.

12. Royal Fans
    Among the show's many famous fans is Queen Elizabeth II. She was known to spot errors in episodes, such as a World War I soldier wearing medals awarded in World War II.

13. Historical Advisor Cameos
    Alastair Bruce, the historical advisor to Downton Abbey, made several cameos throughout the series. He appeared in the Christmas special (2011), The London Season (2013), and the series finale (2015).

14. Emmy Nominations
    Downton Abbey received a record number of Emmy nominations with 69 nominations and 15 wins, making it the most nominated non-U.S. series in Emmy history.

15. Queen Elizabeth II's Observations
    Queen Elizabeth II was a keen observer of the show and often noted anachronisms. She pointed out that a young soldier in one episode was wearing medals that had not been awarded during his lifetime.

Guest Appearances and Actor Backgrounds

Guest appearances and the backgrounds of the actors add depth to the series. Here are some intriguing facts about the guest stars and the actors' histories.

16. Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman's Planned Guest Appearance
    Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman were in talks to guest star as a married couple in an episode. However, Kate Winslet could not do it due to her pregnancy, and Alan Rickman decided against it without her.

17. Jessica Brown Findlay's Background
    Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil, had a background in ballet. She danced at the Royal Opera House with the Kirov ballet company before an injury forced her to give up dancing.

18. Julian Fellowes' Personal Touches
    Julian Fellowes named a character after a relative. Mary's son is named George, after Julian Fellowes' niece's baby.

19. Casting Ease
    Casting for some of the main roles was relatively easy. Roles were written specifically with Hugh Bonneville, Brendan Coyle, and Maggie Smith in mind.

20. Real Estate History
    Highclere Castle has been the home of the Herbert family since 1679. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon co-discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922, which is referenced in the show with the names of Lord Robert Crowley's dogs, Pharaoh and Isis.

Plotlines and Production Challenges

The plotlines and production challenges faced by the creators of Downton Abbey are as fascinating as the show itself. Here are some noteworthy facts.

21. Season 2 Plotline
    During Season 2, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. This plotline mirrors real-life events where Highclere Castle was used as a recovery hospital during World War I.

22. Production Challenges
    Filming the servant's quarters scenes was challenging. The quarters at Highclere Castle were not in good enough condition, so the kitchen and servants' bedroom scenes were filmed in a London studio.

23. Laura Carmichael's Initial Doubts
    Laura Carmichael initially thought the role of Lady Edith would be small and considered turning it down for a role in a touring production of Twelfth Night.

24. Global Reach
    Downton Abbey was broadcast in 250 territories worldwide and became a major hit in Russia, South Korea, and the Middle East. It is estimated that over 120 million people watched the series at some point.

25. Masterpiece Success
    Downton Abbey is the most successful show in Masterpiece’s over 40-year history. Its unprecedented popularity was described by Julian Fellowes as “nobody in their right mind could have predicted”.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Downton Abbey is filled with fun facts and trivia that make it even more interesting. Here are some lesser-known details about the show.

26. Egyptian Theme
    The show features an Egyptian theme, which is a nod to George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who co-discovered King Tut’s tomb. This theme is reflected in the names of Lord Robert Crowley's dogs, Pharaoh and Isis.

27. Royal Family Involvement
    Queen Elizabeth II was a guest at Highclere Castle and was known to be a fan of the show. She even pointed out errors in various episodes, such as a soldier wearing incorrect medals.

28. Alan Leech's Background
    Alan Leech, who played Tom Branson, was originally supposed to be from Yorkshire but was turned Irish because of his accent.

29. Imelda Staunton's Roles
    Imelda Staunton, who played Lady Shackleton, also appeared in the Downtown Abbey movie (2019). She is married to Jim Carter, who played Mr. Carson in the series.

30. Zoe Boyle and Brendan Coyle's Surnames
    Season 2 features four actors whose surnames rhyme with each other: Zoe Boyle, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, and Maria Doyle Kennedy.

31. Carson's Family
    Mr. Carson is married to Imelda Staunton, and their adult daughter appeared in a separate show about India, which starred Mrs. Patmore. She also played one of the Featherington sisters in Bridgerton.

32. Julian Fellowes' Original Intentions
    Julian Fellowes originally intended for Matthew to end up with Sybil, according to Allen Leech. This would have been an interesting twist given their interactions in the early episodes.

33. Reused Actors
    The comment section on Reddit noted that many actors in England seem to reuse the same 20 actors in various productions. This is evident in the overlap of cast members between Downton Abbey and other shows.

34. Mrs. Hughes' Marriage
    Mrs. Hughes is married to the actor who played the highly unpleasant grandfather of little Charlie (Ethel's son).

35. Edith and Andy's Real-Life Relationship
    Edith and Andy are a real-life couple, as mentioned in the Reddit comment section.

36. Alan Rickman's Decision
    Alan Rickman was interested in guest starring as a married couple with Kate Winslet but decided against it when she couldn't appear due to her pregnancy.

37. Tom Branson's Background
    Tom Branson was originally supposed to be from Yorkshire but was turned Irish because Alan Leech is from Northern Ireland.

38. Dolores Umbridge and Mr. Carson
    The comparison between Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey is amusing, given their contrasting roles as a strict teacher and a butler, respectively.

39. Historical Accuracy in Costumes
    The costumes in Downton Abbey are not only authentic but also fragile. They cannot be laundered, which often results in them not smelling very good.

40. Queen Elizabeth II's Observations
    Queen Elizabeth II was known to be meticulous about historical accuracy. She pointed out errors such as a soldier wearing medals awarded in World War II during World War I.

41. Highclere Castle's History
    Highclere Castle has been the home of the Herbert family since 1679. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon co-discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922, which is referenced in the show.

42. Season 2 Plotline
    During Season 2, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. This plotline mirrors real-life events where Highclere Castle was used as a recovery hospital during World War I.

43. Production Challenges
    Filming the servant's quarters scenes was challenging. The quarters at Highclere Castle were not in good enough condition, so the kitchen and servants' bedroom scenes were filmed in a London studio.

44. Laura Carmichael's Initial Doubts
    Laura Carmichael initially thought the role of Lady Edith would be small and considered turning it down for a role in a touring production of Twelfth Night.

45. Global Reach
    Downton Abbey was broadcast in 250 territories worldwide and became a major hit in Russia, South Korea, and the Middle East. It is estimated that over 120 million people watched the series at some point.

46. Masterpiece Success
    Downton Abbey is the most successful show in Masterpiece’s over 40-year history. Its unprecedented popularity was described by Julian Fellowes as “nobody in their right mind could have predicted”.

47. Egyptian Theme
    The show features an Egyptian theme, which is a nod to George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who co-discovered King Tut’s tomb. This theme is reflected in the names of Lord Robert Crowley's dogs, Pharaoh and Isis.

48. Royal Family Involvement
    Queen Elizabeth II was a guest at Highclere Castle and was known to be a fan of the show. She even pointed out errors in various episodes, such as a soldier wearing incorrect medals.

49. Alan Leech's Background
    Alan Leech, who played Tom Branson, was originally supposed to be from Yorkshire but was turned Irish because of his accent.

50. Imelda Staunton’s Roles
    Imelda Staunton, who played Lady Shackleton, also appeared in the Downtown Abbey movie (2019). She is married to Jim Carter, who played Mr. Carson in the series.

Downton Abbey's Lasting Impact

Downton Abbey has left a significant mark on television history. Its blend of historical accuracy, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide. From the lavish sets of Highclere Castle to the authentic costumes, every detail was meticulously crafted. The show's success, with over 120 million viewers in 250 territories, speaks volumes about its universal appeal. Not only did it become the highest-rated show on PBS's Masterpiece, but it also garnered a record number of Emmy nominations. Fans, including Queen Elizabeth II, appreciated its dedication to historical detail. The series creator, Julian Fellowes, and the talented cast brought the early 20th century to life, making Downton Abbey a beloved classic. Its legacy continues to influence period dramas, proving that well-told stories never go out of style.