Answer: Robert
The Earl of Grantham's name was Robert Crawley, but only his close family members actually called him by that name. In general, he was only very rarely referred to by his full title and was more generally simply known as Lord Grantham. While the Crawley family of 'Downton Abbey' are entirely fictional, the title of Earl of Grantham did actually exist in the Peerage of England between 1698 and 1754 - its sole holder was a man named Henry de Nassau d'Auverquerque, a distant cousin of King William III.
Hugh was the first name of the Marquess of Flintshire (the husband of Lord Grantham's cousin); Richard was the given name of Lord Merton, who later married Isobel Crawley; and Viscount Gillingham (one of Lady Mary's various love interests) was named Anthony.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: The Earl of Grantham
Answer: She revealed all in a letter to the Turkish ambassador
During the first series of 'Downton Abbey' Lady Edith was portrayed as the jealous, petty and somewhat overlooked middle sister. Edith's relationship with Mary was particularly hostile as Mary tended to take every opportunity to put down her sister and scupper her attempts at romance. When Edith discovered that Kemal Pamuk had actually died in Mary's bed, she took the opportunity to exact revenge by revealing the whole story in a letter to the Turkish ambassador. Needless to say, the subsequent risk to Mary's reputation proved to be yet another cause of argument between the sisters.
This storyline was set during the negotiations following Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire, which were held in London during 1912 and 1913. These talks were aimed at sorting out territorial boundaries following the First Balkan War and resulted in the signing of the Treaty of London in May 1913. However, they weren't terribly successful as the Second Balkan War broke out just one month later...
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Lady Edith
Answer: Cousins James and Patrick Crawley
The series began with the announcement of the sinking of the Titanic. The Crawley family knew several people who were onboard, including Robert's first cousin James and James' son Patrick. The big problem was that James, as Robert's closest living male relative, was the heir to Downton and Patrick was his only son. Patrick was also unofficially engaged to Lady Mary, so that Mary could eventually indirectly inherit her family's estate as well.
This led the Crawley family to search for the next heir, and that's how Matthew, a distant cousin, came to Downton.
From Quiz: Died on "Downton Abbey"
Answer: The sinking of the Titanic
The first series of 'Downton Abbey' was set between April 1912 and August 1914, with the first episode introducing the fact that the Earl of Grantham's first cousin and heir, James Crawley, had died in the Titanic disaster alongside his only son, Patrick. The Earl's previous plan to keep the title, estate and wealth within his family had been to marry off his eldest daughter, Lady Mary, to Patrick. The arrival of the previously unknown Matthew as the new heir meant that a new plan was needed - get Mary to marry Matthew instead (it might have been new, but it wasn't terribly original).
RMS Titanic famously sank on its maiden voyage between Southampton and New York on April 15th 1912, with the loss of over 1,500 lives. The policy of "women and children first" meant that over 80% of the passengers who perished were men - so James and Patrick Crawley would have had little chance of surviving the disaster. Although, as they would presumably have been first-class passengers, their odds would have been a bit better than most - but sadly not by much. (About 67% of male first-class passengers died compared to around 85% of those travelling second or third-class.)
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Matthew Crawley
Answer: Pernicious anaemia
The prognosis meant that Lord Merton's son and daughter-in-law, who had been only too keen for Isobel to take him off their hands, now wished to keep him away from her to protect their inheritance. With the help of Violet, Isobel rescued him from their clutches to her own home, and decided that the long delayed marriage would take place as soon as possible.
In true Downton fashion, the local expert, Dr. Clarkson, was able to prove the expensive Harley Street doctors wrong and discover that Dickie's illness was 'ordinary' anaemia, thus giving him and Isobel every hope for a happy future.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2015 Special)
Answer: Alun Armstrong
Stowell was particularly snobbish towards Tom Branson, the former chauffeur, ignoring his requests and by-passing him when pouring wine, for example. This prompted Mary ask Thomas to 'do something', which caused problems for Stowell and Thomas himself. Stowell revealed his contempt for Lord Sinderby and, having drunk too much, divulged a secret which Thomas used to cause even more trouble.
Alun Armstrong is a well known character actor whose battered features have graced many films, television shows and theatre productions. Among his film credits are 'Braveheart' (1995) and 'Eragon' (2006). His television shows include 'Garrow's Law' and 'New Tricks', and the other actors listed as options all appeared in the latter show.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2014 Special)
Answer: Edith's
The fire gave perennial bad boy Thomas, the under butler, a chance to redeem himself by rescuing Lady Edith. He had, once again, been on the verge of being dismissed due to his bullying of Baxter, Lady Grantham's maid. Cora had realised what he was doing, and had threatened him with dismissal. The fire also saw the departure of Jimmy, the footman, who was caught in a compromising position with a lady visitor to the Abbey when the alarm was raised.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Five)
Answer: Miss O'Brien and Mrs Hughes
After the trial, Mrs Hughes said that although she was called for the prosecution, she thought that Mr Bates was innocent. Miss O'Brien only said that she was "Sorry to have been part of it".
From Quiz: "Downton Abbey" - Christmas Specials
Answer: Paul Giamatti
Although he was regularly mentioned during series four of 'Downton Abbey', notably following his involvement in the 'Teapot Dome Scandal', this was Harold's first appearance on screen. He and Cora's mother had travelled to London as Lady Rose was due to be presented at court, which gave the Americans a chance to meet the Royal family. Paul Giamatti has appeared in many television series, including 'The Show' in 1996 and '30 Rock' in 2010. His film credits include 'Romeo and Juliet' (2013), in which he played Friar Laurence and 'Cinderella Man' (2005). He also appeared as Sergeant Hill in 'Saving Private Ryan' in 1998 alongside all the actors listed as options.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2013 Special)
Answer: Miss O'Brien
The seeds for this change were sowed in the 2012 Christmas special, when O'Brien impressed Lady Flintshire during the family's visit to Scotland. Quite why she had to disappear without giving notice was not explained, but it paved the way for the return of Edna, newly qualified as a lady's maid, who had tried to seduce Tom Branson in the 2012 Christmas special. She went further this time, slipping into his room late one night and then trying to convince him to marry her as there 'could be a child'. Her plans were soon foiled by Mrs Hughes, leaving Lady Cora maidless again. A new character, Baxter, was introduced as the latest lady's maid, who was being manipulated by Thomas to give him information about the Crawleys' affairs. Of course, the real reason for the sudden disappearance of O'Brien was actress Siobhan Finneran's decision to leave the series.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Four)
Answer: Scotland
The Crawleys visit family in the Scottish Highlands at the fictional Duneagle Castle. The scenes were actually filmed at Inverary Castle. The episode included several typically Scottish activities, including deer stalking, fishing and the dancing of reels. We were also reintroduced to Lady Rose, the daughter of the family, who made her first appearance in Series Three. Summer visits to Scotland are a traditional part of the British Royal Family's year, so the aristocratic Granthams would be likely to follow suit.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2012 Special)
Answer: Earl of Grantham
Robert is the Earl of Grantham and head of the Crawley family. The proper form of oral address for an Earl is "Lord" and his wife is addressed as "Lady", although her title is "Countess".
From Quiz: "Downton Abbey": The Crawley Family
Answer: Shirley MacLaine
Martha has arrived for the wedding of her granddaughter, Lady Mary, to Matthew Crawley. Her presence gives an opportunity for the 'new world' to sneer at the 'old world' for its unchanging nature. Of course, her main adversary is the Dowager Duchess, who sneers right back. One memorable exchange has Violet saying, 'I'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again. When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English'. Matthew responds with, 'But isn't she American?', to which Violet replies, 'Exactly'.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Three)
Answer: Lady Rosamund
Lady Rosamund Painswick is a widow, normally living in London. In the first series, she was instrumental in placing doubts in Mary's mind over marrying Matthew. She came to Downton for Christmas and New Year, bringing her maid, Marigold Shore, played by Sharon Small. Lady Rosamund is portrayed by Samantha Bond, who acted the role of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films between 1995 and 2002 when Pierce Brosnan was Bond.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2011 Special)
Answer: Mary
Mary said, "I hope you know that really smart people sleep in separate rooms." She said this to her parents when she was in their room whilst they were getting ready to sleep.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Quote Quiz!
Answer: Maria Doyle Kennedy
Bates was, of course, in love with Anna and wanted to obtain a divorce from his wife. Unfortunately, she had discovered the truth of Lady Mary's liaison with the Turkish diplomat from series one, and threatened to make this public. As a result, Bates felt that he had no option but to leave Downton with Vera, despite his true feelings. Mrs Bates accepted money from her husband to keep quiet, but still tried to sell her story to the press (a very modern twist), only to be thwarted. Maria Doyle Kennedy played the role of Katherine of Aragon in 'The Tudors' and also appeared in the film 'The Commitments' (1991). The other three actresses all portrayed wives to Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry VIII in 'The Tudors' television series.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Two)
Answer: Julian Fellowes
All of these actors are known for their aristocratic roles, but Fellowes is actually Baron Fellowes of West Stafford and sits in the House of Lords as a peer. As well as 'Downton Abbey', Fellowes has written the scripts for the films 'Gosford Park' (2001) and 'Young Victoria' (2009) among others and has also directed films. He has appeared as an actor in television series' as diverse as 'Monarch of the Glen' and 'Our Friends in the North' as well as publishing novels, including 'Snobs' in 2004.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series One)
Answer: Bates was his batman when he was in the army
Just over ten years prior to the events of 'Downton Abbey' - the first episode of which was set in 1912 - Lord Grantham had served in the British army during the Second Boer War. John Bates, the new valet who arrived at Downton Abbey in the first episode of the series, had been the earl's batman during that conflict.
In this context a batman was a soldier assigned to act as a personal servant and bodyguard to an officer - the job certainly did not involve fighting crime in Gotham City. It was also relatively common into the early 20th century for the batman of an upper class officer to become his civilian valet on retirement from the military.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: The Earl of Grantham
Answer: His wife saw them kissing
When the First World War broke out in Europe in July 1914, the Earl announced the news at Downton during a charity garden party. The war affected the lives of everyone in the household (both 'upstairs' and 'downstairs') and the wider estate: Matthew Crawley, Thomas Barrow, William Mason and many of the estate's workers all joined the army, Lady Sybil trained as a nurse and Downton Abbey itself was turned into a convalescent home.
Lady Edith decided to contribute to the war effort by getting the family's chauffeur to teach her how to drive and volunteering to drive a tractor for John Drake, one of the estate's farmers. Despite the vast difference in their social standing, Edith and John got on well together and ended up sharing a kiss. Unfortunately John Drake was married with a young family and his wife witnessed his kiss with Edith - the letter informing Edith that her help on the farm was no longer required turned up shortly afterwards.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Lady Edith
Answer: In Mary's bedroom
Kemal Pamuk was a Turkish diplomat who came to stay at Downton with Evelyn Napier. Evelyn Napier was invited to try to inspire a romance between him and Mary, but Mr. Pamuk took a shine to Mary as well, and she seemed to enjoy his company more than Mr. Napier's. Pamuk made an arrangement with Thomas, the footman, to get into Mary's bedroom late at night.
Mary was shocked at first, but he seduced her and she allowed him into her bed, a very major no-no for a lady of her station in 1913. Things went south when Pamuk died of an apparent heart attack while still in Mary's bed. Mary, Cora and Anna ended up carrying Pamuk's body across the house to the bedroom where he was staying to try avoid a scandal. It didn't stay as secret as they'd hoped and this plotline had lasting effects on Mary through to the end of season two.
From Quiz: Died on "Downton Abbey"
Answer: Law
Since he wasn't brought up as a member of the aristocracy (or with any expectation of inheriting a title) Matthew attended university and earned his own living via a career as a solicitor specialising in industrial law. This made sense historically since in the early 20th century Manchester was still a major location for manufacturing and was particularly associated with the cotton industry.
Despite the upheaval of his move from Manchester to the small village of Downton (and his transformation from a middle-class worker to aristocratic heir) he continued his career by taking a job at a law firm in the nearby city of Ripon. This way of life was distinctly alien to the rest of the Crawley family, a fact that was perhaps best summed up by the Dowager Countess when she asked "Wh-what is a weekend?" in response to a comment from Matthew about not needing to go to the office every day.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Matthew Crawley
Answer: The venue for the reception
Carson wanted to hold the reception at Downton while Mrs Hughes felt that the village hall would be more suited to their guests. The situation was not helped when Mary intervened to persuade her father to offer use of one of the 'upstairs' rooms rather than the servants' hall. Carson felt it would be rude to refuse, but Mrs Hughes, as the bride, won the day.
The couple decided that it would be best for her to continue to be known as Mrs Hughes, to avoid confusion, so there was no disagreement there. The bridegroom, as is only right, had no say in the dress, although not all ran smoothly there either.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Six)
Answer: Trousers
Lady Sybil's interest in feminism manifested itself in her desire to dress according to her own wishes rather than follow the accepted rules set out by British upper-class society of the time. Her unexpected appearance at dinner wearing a form of trousers known as bloomers or harem pants caused mixed reactions from her family - some of them vocally negative! This wasn't Sybil's only attempt at modifying her wardrobe, she also appeared to be against the tradition of women wearing corsets, stating to her elder sister Mary that "I don't know why we bother with corsets. Men don't wear them, and they look perfectly normal in their clothes".
In Britain, the fashion for women wearing trousers developed during the 1920s and 1930s but became widespread during the Second World War, when women started wearing them due to their practicality for war work. Sybil's trousers were more in the style of those worn for centuries by women in the Far East, which the French fashion designer Paul Poiret attempted to popularise in 1913.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Lady Sybil
Answer: Paris
Jane Lapotaire made a guest appearance playing the rather ungrateful Irina, who was staying with Violet. Neither she nor her husband seemed very pleased to see the other, despite their years apart. Nonetheless, they agreed to move to Paris, where other Russian emigrés were living. Violet disclosed, to Isobel, a little more about the events in St. Petersburg, which had been touched on in Series Five, in particular her reasons for feeling a duty of care to the Princess.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2014 Special)
Answer: Liverpool
Mary ensured there would be no unwanted consequences by sending her maid, Anna, to the local chemist (pharmacy), which caused poor Anna great embarrassment. Following the event, Mary's ardour cooled considerably, although she had great difficulty in convincing Tony that his affections were no longer returned. Even Liverpool proved not to be far enough away, since Mary and Tony were seen leaving the hotel by Violet's butler, Spratt, who soon passed on the information to his employer. Mary was left having to explain herself to her grandmother.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Five)
Answer: Mr Bates
Although Mr. Bates was sentenced to death for murdering his wife, later in the episode it was reduced to life imprisonment, and eventually all charges were dropped and he returned to Downton. It was revealed that the former Mrs Bates committed suicide.
From Quiz: "Downton Abbey" - Christmas Specials
Answer: Lady Mary
Anna gave an old jacket to Mrs Hughes, who discovered a train ticket in the pocket, proving that Bates had travelled to London on the day of Green's death, when he had told everyone he had been to York. Mrs Hughes took it to Lady Mary, saying that she thought that Bates had had every right to defend Anna's honour, and that the ticket did not prove that Bates had killed Green. After some misgivings, eventually, Mary threw the ticket in the fire. Neither Anna nor Lord Grantham were aware of the ticket's existence.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2013 Special)
Answer: Germany
Michael Gregson's wife had been declared insane, leaving him unable to divorce her under the legal system of the era. He had found that German law would mean he could file for divorce, but it would mean taking German citizenship, a difficult move to make so soon after the Great War. Gregson was able to curry favour with Robert, Lord Grantham, by saving him from a card cheat, raising Edith's hopes of a happy ending. Unfortunately, having arrived in Germany, Michael disappeared, leaving poor Edith once again in limbo.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Four)
Answer: Shrimpie
'Shrimpie', so called as he was the youngest in the family, is married to Dowager Countess's niece, Susan, although not happily. As well as suffering from his shrewish wife, 'Shrimpie' has failed to modernise and confides in Robert that he will most likely have to sell the estate and castle to avoid bankruptcy. Robert appears to realise that he has been saved from this fate himself by Matthew and Tom's efforts to drag him into the modern world.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2012 Special)
Answer: He becomes Lord Grantham's heir
Since Lord Grantham had no son, his heir was a cousin who perished on the Titanic at the beginning of the first season of "Downton Abbey". After his death, Matthew Crawley is the closest male relative and therefore becomes Lord Grantham's heir.
From Quiz: "Downton Abbey": The Crawley Family
Answer: Isis
Thomas the footman was keen to obtain promotion to the position of valet, but knew this was unlikely as Lord Grantham knew of his dishonesty (in Series One). He devised the plan of taking and hiding Isis, before being able to play the hero by finding her again. His plan did not go exactly as intended, as the dog was discovered by someone else while Thomas was searching for her when he realised she was no longer where he had left her. It did work out for him when Lord Grantham saw his return from the fruitless search and was impressed by his (apparent) loyalty. Isis was played by a dog named Ellie, from Series 2 onwards. The original dog from the first series, named Pharaoh and played by Roly, had to be replaced as he did not get on with the resident dogs at Highclere Castle where the series was filmed.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2011 Special)
Answer: Violet
When Matthew said that he'll have time for discussing the hierarchy at the weekend, when he's not working, Violet exclaimed 'What's a 'weekend?', as she is so high in the aristocracy chain, that no-one she knows has a job, therefore no weekends.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Quote Quiz!
Answer: Lavinia
Poor Lavinia. She was looked down on by the Dowager, who remarked
'I suppose looks aren't everything' and even by the staff, when Carson (the butler) couldn't find her family mentioned in Debrett's. Since she was the daughter of a solicitor and Matthew himself worked in the same business before being caught up in the war, she would undoubtedly have been a good match for him had he not been the heir to Downton Abbey. Lady Mary was still on the scene and still apparently in love with Matthew, despite having a new love interest of her own. Lavinia was played by Zoe Boyle in the series.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Two)
Answer: The outbreak of the First World War
The first series of 'Downton Abbey' spanned the period of history between the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 through to the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914. The Crawley's garden party was in full swing when a telegram was delivered that brought the news that Britain had declared war on Germany and Lord Grantham was left to make the sombre announcement.
The focus of 'Downton Abbey's second series was therefore the events of the First World War and how it impacted on the lives of both the Abbey's owners and servants. The Earl wanted to re-join the army and serve at the front, but he was instead, due to his age, fitness and position in society, simply given the honorary leadership of a local militia.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: The Earl of Grantham
Answer: He claimed to be Patrick Crawley - who was believed dead in the Titanic disaster
During Downton Abbey's stint as a convalescent home for injured First World War officers, one particular patient created a stir by claiming to be Patrick Crawley - the son of the heir to Downton who had been lost in the Titanic disaster. His tale of surviving the shipwreck only to end up suffering from amnesia in Canada didn't impress most of the family and Lady Edith was the only one who believed him.
Edith's display of trust in 'Patrick' was probably due to the fact that she had been in love with the future earl, despite his long-standing engagement to her sister, Lady Mary. Although they grew close and 'Patrick' claimed that he had been in love with her all along, he ended up abandoning her when the Earl's investigations into his claims turned up evidence that suggested that he was an imposter.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Lady Edith
Answer: William
William, a footman at Downton, was keen to join up when the war broke out. He didn't go right away, as his father didn't want to lose him, but was eventually conscripted and had to go. Before leaving, he asked Daisy, the kitchen maid, to marry him and she agreed to the engagement so that he would be in good spirits; she planned to break it off when the war was over.
At the front, William was a servant to Matthew, who was a Captain in the army. The pair were seriously injured, with William taking more of the hit while trying to protect Matthew. Both were brought back to Downton, and Matthew recovered (aside from the temporary paralysis). It was clear William was not going to make it and so Daisy agreed to a quick wedding. William died very shortly thereafter.
From Quiz: Died on "Downton Abbey"
Answer: She had refused to give him an answer
Getting the new heir to the estate to marry the eldest daughter of the current owner was a tidy solution that was suggested by various members of the family after Matthew first moved to Downton in 1912. However, these plans were almost enough to scupper such an event from ever happening as Matthew did not appreciate having one of the Crawley's daughters "thrown at him" while Mary resented the idea of having to marry him in order to retain ownership of her home.
Despite the inauspicious start to their relationship, during the first series of the show Matthew and Mary gradually got to know each other and fell in love - leading to Matthew's proposal of marriage. The problem came from the fact that Mary refused to make a decision and give him an answer. By August 1914 (after several months of hanging around) Matthew finally gave up, rescinded his proposal and left Downton for the battlefields of the newly declared First World War.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Matthew Crawley
Answer: Ritz
The meeting was set up, somewhat surprisingly, by Mary with the connivance of Aunt Rosamund. Proof, maybe, rather late in the series that Mary does have a heart after all. After an uncomfortable start, with Edith reminding Bertie that he had broken her heart, Bertie managed to convince her that he was lost without her. The news was broken to the family, and the viewer, by means of a late night telephone call to Robert.
Any of the hotels listed would provide an excellent meal, but Mary had booked a table at the Ritz for the hoped for reconciliation to take place in the best possible surroundings.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Christmas 2015 Special)
Answer: Tom Branson
Tom had gone to America, taking Sybbie with him, but had found that he missed Downton too much. His appearance at the end of the episode was met with joy from the family, and he settled back into life as a member of the aristocracy with little trouble. Although he had no major story lines in the series, Tom was instrumental in many of the events, particularly in Mary's romance and acted as a confidant to both Mary and Edith.
Lady Rose also went to America and did not appear in the main series. Sergeant Willis made several appearances during series six - there seemed to be a lot of crime around - but did not need to arrest any of the guests. Martha Levinson is Cora's mother and did not arrive at the wedding or, indeed, anywhere else during the series.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' (Series Six)
Answer: Her cousin, Matthew Crawley
'Downton Abbey' is set in the fictional of village of Downton in Yorkshire, England, close to the real towns of Ripon and Thirsk. In the British political system a by-election is called when the incumbent of the seat either dies, resigns or for some other reason becomes ineligible to continue to hold the position. Lady Sybil's growing political activism and support for the Liberal Party meant that she first attended a political rally - incurring her father's wrath in the process - and then lied to both him and the family chauffeur about her plan to attend the count. Predictably, this ended in disaster when a fight broke out and Sybil was knocked unconscious.
Luckily for Sybil, her cousin (and heir apparent to the title of Earl of Grantham) worked as a solicitor in Ripon and was present to rescue her from the situation, along with the unfortunate chauffeur whom the Earl swiftly blamed for the entire incident.
From Quiz: 'Downton Abbey' Characters: Lady Sybil
