'Downton Abbey' (Series One) Trivia Quiz

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.

Answer: Sinking of the Titanic

The series opens in 1912 with Lord Grantham receiving a telegram telling him that his cousin, heir to the estate, has perished in the Titanic disaster, together with the cousin's son, who would have been next in line. The estate is the subject of an entail, which means that only a male heir can inherit. Since Lord Grantham has fathered only daughters, he has to contact a distant cousin, Matthew Crawley, his new heir.

The entail has been used as a dramatic device in works such as Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot.

The first series ends with Lord Grantham announcing the outbreak of the First World War.

Answer: Mary

Lady Mary had been in line to marry the now deceased cousin and thus ensure that the estate stayed in the family, but these plans have been thwarted by the Titanic disaster. Lady Edith is the middle sister, and the plainest, who seems destined to stay at home and help look after her parents as they age. Lady Sybil is the youngest and has begun to take an interest in politics, especially women's rights. Isobel is the name of Mrs Crawley, mother of Matthew, the new heir to the estate.

Answer: Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith, best known to younger filmgoers as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the 'Harry Potter' film series, portrays the widowed mother of the current Lord Grantham. She is very 'grand' and conscious of her status and frequently crosses swords with Mrs Isobel Crawley, who is perceived as interfering in matters that should be left to the aristocracy. Apart from 'Harry Potter', Maggie Smith has appeared in numerous films, including 'Gosford Park' (2001), 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' (1969) and 'A Room With a View' (1985) as well as appearing frequently on the stage.

Answer: Turkey

Kemal Pamuk has been brought to visit by the Honourable Evelyn Napier, a possible candidate to be Lady Mary's future husband. Her head is turned by the handsome Turk, who persuades the senior footman to take him to Mary's room, with disastrous consequences.

The body is moved from her bedroom back to Pamuk's own with the help of one of the housemaids, Anna, and Lady Grantham, Mary's mother. Without their knowledge, they are seen by Daisy, the kitchen maid and Thomas, the footman, is also aware of the visit which means that the truth will become impossible to conceal.

The role of Kemal Pamuk is played by Theo James.

Answer: William

Thomas is resentful that he has been passed over for promotion to valet, and takes many opportunities to belittle William, who is a much kinder character. Thomas and Sarah O'Brien, Lady Grantham's personal maid, spend much time plotting and evading additional work. Thomas is also revealed to be a thief, helping himself to wine from the cellars by taking the keys from the butler's room. William is attracted to Daisy, the kitchen maid, but Thomas, realising this, makes a play for her himself. Thomas is played by Rob James-Collier and William by Thomas Howes.

Answer: Solicitor

It comes as a shock to the Dowager, in particular, to find that a member of the family has to work for his living. Matthew's reference to the weekend meets with the response, 'What is a weekend?' During the course of the series, Matthew learns about the running of the estate and the responsibilities which come with the position, such as keeping others in employment. Matthew proposes marriage to Lady Mary, who delays her decision because of her guilty secret, until events cause the offer to be withdrawn. Dan Stevens plays the role of Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary Crawley is portrayed by Michelle Dockery.

Answer: Mrs Patmore (cook)

Mrs Patmore has various mishaps during the series, including mistaking salt for sugar (thus ruining the family's dessert) and dropping food and burning herself, until it is revealed that her sight is impaired by cataracts. The head housemaid, Anna, accompanies her to London, where she takes the opportunity to find out more about the background of the mysterious valet, Mr Bates, with whom she has fallen in love. Mrs Patmore is played by Lesley Nicol and Mrs Hughes by Phyllis Logan. Joanne Froggatt plays Anna and Tom Branson is acted by Allen Leech.

Answer: Lameness

Bates is known to the Earl of Grantham having previously been his batman in the army. The injury was suffered in the Boer War, which ended in 1902, and hinders Bates in carrying out his additional duties, to the annoyance of the footman, Thomas, who had hoped to take the position himself and resents having to help him. Thomas attempts to frame Bates for theft, to deflect attention from his own activities, but is thwarted by Anna.

The incident does force Bates to admit that he has spent time in prison for theft. Bates is played by Brendan Coyle, another actor with numerous television credits to his name.

These include 'Rebel Heart' (2001), 'North and South' (2004) and 'Lark Rise to Candleford' (2008).

Answer: Hugh Bonneville

All the actors named have appeared in the series. Jim Carter plays Charles Carson, the butler and David Robb portrays Dr. Clarkson. Robert Bathurst plays Sir Anthony Strallan, a suitor of Lady Edith, who was intending to propose until Lady Mary lies to him in revenge for Lady Edith revealing the truth about the death of Kemal Pamuk. Lord Grantham is portrayed as being very paternal and caring, and ensuring the welfare of his staff.

In the course of the series, he apologises to the butler for an outburst of temper and to his valet for his breakdown in tears over the loss of his unborn son. Hugh Bonneville has made his career primarily in television drama, including appearances in 'Peak Practice' (1994) and 'Doctor Who' (2011) among many others.