Downton Abbey - Episode Summaries

Season 4 | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3

4.9 The London Season

The Crawleys are in London for Lady Rose’s debut. Lady Rose becomes acquainted with Ms. Freda Dudley Ward, the mistress of the Prince of Wales. All is well until Mr. Terence Sampson gets hold of a highly sensitive letter that will bring scandal to the monarchy. The Crawleys go in a mission to retrieve the letter from Mr. Sampson’s possession. Downton Abbey The London Season episode summary

4.8 Episode 8 of Season 4

4.7 Episode 7 of Season 4

Lord Grantham goes to America after conceding to the demand of Lady Cora’s mother, Mrs. Levinson, to show support for his brother-in-law. Lady Mary learns of the violation done to Anna and intervenes for Mr. Bates that he may not leave the side of his wife at her time of need. Charles Blake sees another side of Lady Mary after a night of trudging through mud. Downton Abbey Episode 7 of Season 4 episode guide

4.6 Episode 6 of Season 4

Lady Rose arranges the jazz band, The Lotus, to play after dinner as a surprise birthday present for Lord Grantham. Lady Mary begins to regret extending her hospitality to Evelyn’s boss, Charles Blake, for he manages to annoy her immediately. This, however, delights Evelyn, who seeks to court Lady Mary. Downton Abbey Episode 6 of Season 4 episode summary

4.5 Episode 5 of Season 4

Mr. Bates forces Mrs. Hughes to divulge to him the truth about the cuts and bruises Anna sustained on the last night of the house party. Lord Grantham persuades Lady Mary into rescinding the foreclosure of the Yew Tree Farm. Alfred takes the exam at the prestigious Ritz Escoffier cooking school. >>Downton Abbey Episode 5 of Season 4 episode guide

4.4 Episode 4 of Season 4

Miss Braithwaite uses the night of passion she spent with Tom Branson to trick him into marrying her. He seeks Mrs. Hughes for help. Meanwhile, Lord Gillingham falls in love with Lady Mary and begins to court her. >>Downton Abbey Episode 4 of Season 4 episode summary

4.3 Episode 3 of Season 4

Lady Cora throws a glamorous house party at Downton Abbey that culminates with a performance from the world famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba. Nobility and aristocrats attend the house party including Lady Mary’s childhood friend, Lord Gillingham whose valet, Mr. Green, flirts with Anna Bates annoying Mr. Bates. The last night of the house party, however, leads to a serious crime at Downton Abbey. >>Downton Abbey Episode 3 of Season 4 episode guide

4.2 Episode 2 of Season 4

Lord Grantham finds a letter Matthew wrote declaring Lady Mary as his sole heir. Incredulous of its legality, he considers not showing it to Lady Mary until his lawyer has assessed its validity. He then goes on to show that his daughter does not have the aptitude to manage Downton Abbey. Meanwhile, Lady Rose convinces Anna Bates to accompany her to a Thé Dansant for servants and farmworkers. Lady Rose pretends to be a housemaid and dances the One-Step with an under gardener named Sam Thawley. >>Downton Abbey Episode 2 of Season of 4 episode summary

4.1 Episode 1 of Season 4

Season 3 | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 4

3.9 A Journey to the Highlands

The Crawleys spend a few days at Duneagle and look forward to the ghillies’ ball. While their masters are in the Highlands, the servants left in Downton Abbey attend a fair at Thirsk. Mr. Gregson arrives at Duneagle and meets Lady Edith’s family with the goal of charming them. After attending activities strenuous for a pregnant woman, Lady Mary becomes tired and returns to Downton Abbey earlier than planned. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 9 of Season 3

3.8 Episode 8 of Season 3

Jimmy through Miss O’Brien’s instigation threatens to report Mr. Barrow to the police if Mr. Carson gives him a good reference. Hearing of the injustice done to Mr. Barrow, Mr. Bates curiously comes to his rescue. Lord Grantham becomes furious upon hearing of Matthew’s vision for Downton Abbey, and becomes even more upset to learn that all are against him. He, however, looks forward to the cricket match against the villagers and desires to win more than anything else. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 8 of Season 3

3.7 Episode 7 of Season 3

Mr. Bates is released from prison and returns to Downton Abbey. His reinstatement as valet to Lord Grantham is still up in the air since Thomas still fulfills that position. Thomas attraction towards Jimmy continues to grow and it consumes him. Meanwhile, Tom’s brother, Kieran arrives to attend Sybil’s christening causing a stir at Downton and signaling Tom’s imminent departure. Matthew becomes frustrated with his father-in-law’s stubbornness about the management of Downton Abbey, but finds a supporter in Tom. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 7 of Season 3

3.6 Episode 6 of Season 3

All of Downton mourn the death of Lady Sybil. Lady Cora holds Lord Grantham responsible for the death of their youngest daughter. To show her sympathy, Mrs. Crawley invites the Crawley women to a luncheon at her house prompting Ethel to seek the help of Mrs. Patmore. Mr. Bates hears that Mrs. Bartlett reversed her original statement after learning that her testimony can overturn the case against him. He puts together a plan to get the woman to tell the truth. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 6 of Season 3

3.5 Episode 5 of Season 3

3.4 Episode 4 of Season 3

A soaking wet Tom Branson arrives unexpectedly at Downton Abbey without Lady Sybil by his side. Mrs. Crawley and Mrs. Hughes learn at last what Ethel Parks wants from them. Anna becomes concerned after Mr. Bates stopped receiving visitors and ceased sending her letters. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 4 of Season 3

3.3 Episode 3 of Season 3

The Crawleys have accepted the fact that they must leave Downton Abbey and set their eyes on a smaller estate in Eryholme that they are to call Downton Place. Matthew Crawley receives confirmation that he is going to inherit Reggie Swire’s inheritance and along with it a letter from the late Mr. Swire. Matthew and Lady Mary have news to share, but decide to forego the announcement until after the wedding of Lady Edith. Lady Edith walks down the aisle to meet his groom, Sir Anthony Strallan. >> Read Downton Abbey's Episode 3 of Season 3

3.2 Episode 2 of Season 3

The honeymoon is over, and Lady Mary must face the fact of losing her home. She and Lady Grantham turn their sights to the wealthy American, Mrs. Levinson. They plan to use the dinner party for the distinguished citizens of Downton Abbey as a means to their end. Meanwhile, Anna manages to get a hold of the new address of Vera’s close friend, Mrs. Bartlett. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 2 of Season 3

3.1 Episode 1 of Season 3

All are busy preparing for Matthew and Mary’s imminent wedding. Lady Cora’s mother, Martha Levinson, arrives at Downton, but her arrival did not cause as much of a stir as Tom Branson’s return to Downton as a member of the Crawley family. Lord Grantham receives news that could mean the end of Downton Abbey, while Matthew learns that he stands to inherit Reggie Swire’s fortune. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 1 of Season 3 episode summary

Season 2 | Season 1 | Season 3 | Season 4

2.9 Christmas at Downton Abbey
Lord Grantham, Mrs. Hughes, and Miss O’Brien are called to testify in court and states facts that unwittingly lead to Mr. Bates’ guilt. Lady Mary is growing more and more tired of Sir Richard Carlisle so much so that everyone can see that she is on edge including her father. This prompts Lord Grantham to ask Lady Cora why their daughter feels obliged to marry such a man, and finally learns of Lady Mary’s secret. >>Read Christmas at Downton Abbey

2.8 Episode 8 of Season 2
The preparations for Matthew and Lavinia’s wedding are underway, but masters and servants alike being hit with the Spanish flu causes the couple to delay their wedding. Moreover, Lavinia becomes witness to something she has been dreading. Lady Sybil’s decision to marry Tom Branson has been revealed infuriating Lord Grantham, and causing a stir in their family. Following Lady Sybil’s determination, Anna takes courage and tells Mr. Bates of her decision to marry him despite the trials and tribulations that are coming their way. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 8 of Season 2 episode summary

2.7 Episode 7 of Season 2
With the war over, the Crawleys and their servants get on with their lives. An accident revealed a miraculous surprise for Matthew. Sir Richard makes a devious request to Anna that she refuses and informs Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson about. The Bryants have decided to drop by Downton to see and speak to the people who knew Major Bryant as part of their way of coping with losing their only son. Mrs. Hughes plans on speaking to Mrs. Bryant to appeal to her in Ethel’s behalf. Mr. Bates receives news of Vera sending a letter to a friend telling her that she is afraid for her life. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 7 of Season 2 episode summary

2.6 Episode 6 of Season 2
A disfigured officer arrives at Downton Abbey and claims himself to be Patrick Crawley. Sir Richard Carlisle notices that Lady Mary is spending too much time with Matthew, and persuades Lady Cora to bring Lavinia back into Matthew’s life. Mr. Bates learns that Vera has found a way to prevent him from getting a divorce. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 6 of Season 2 episode summary

2.5 Episode 5 of Season 2

William Mason and Captain Matthew Crawley were seriously injured in the war, and are sent back to Downton. William’s return forces Daisy to fulfill the promise she had no intention of keeping. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bates learns of Mr. Bates’ return to Downton Abbey, and has come to cause trouble to Mr. Bates and the Granthams. The woman’s threat has forced Lady Mary to reach out to Sir Richard Carlisle, and is left with no other choice but to divulge to him her secret. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 5 of Season 2 episode summary

2.4 Episode 4 of Season 2

Mrs. Crawley leaves Downton, while Mr. Bates is found to have returned to Yorkshire to work in a pub. Daisy gets a letter from William informing her that he will be paying her a visit, and becomes concerned when William and Captain Crawley failed to show up at Downton during their leave. Ethel’s flirtation with Major Bryant becomes so noticeable that even Lady Edith though busy preparing for the concert found it difficult not to say anything. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 4 of Season 2 episode summary

2.3 Episode 3 of Season 2

Downton Abbey has been turned upside down with it being altered into a convalescent home for recuperating wounded soldiers. Lady Cora and Mrs. Crawley find themselves in shaky ground as they struggle to establish authority. Meanwhile, Lady Violet and Lady Rosamund have discovered something about Lavinia, and puts pressure on Lady Mary to divulge her secret to Matthew. Anna makes a discovery of her own, and learns that Mr. Bates had secretly returned to Downton. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 3 of Season 2 episode summary

2.2 Episode 2

2.1 Episode 1 of Season 2

Lieutenant Matthew Crawley uses his leave to return to Downton Abbey to introduce his fiancée Lavinia Swire to his mother and the Granthams much to Lady Mary’s dismay. Mr. Bates returns from London following his mother’s death with good news for Anna unaware that something ominous is looming. Meanwhile, the war makes something of everyone including Lady Sybil who in her determination to help the war effort has decided to become a nurse. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 1 of Season 2 episode summary

Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4

1.7 Episode 7 of Season 1
The Crawleys except for Lady Mary return to Downton Abbey after the end of the Season. Lady Mary has stayed in London with her aunt, and receives some bad advice from Lady Rosamund after learning that Lady Cora is with child. Mary returns to Downton Abbey, but decides, much to the dismay of everyone, to postpone accepting Matthew’s proposal until after her mother gives birth. A few people at Downton receive some news, but it is the one Lord Grantham announces that will change everyone’s lives. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 7 of Season 1 episode summary

1.6 Episode 6 of Season 1
The by-election is causing a stir, and has enthused Lady Sybil’s political interests. Learning that his daughter has gone to a Liberal rally without his knowledge, Lord Grantham could not help but become furious. Meanwhile, a troubling letter reaches the hands of Mr. Carson and Lady Violet with the Dowager Countess learning the truth about the night Mr. Pamuk died. To add to Mr. Carson’s already preoccupied mind, Mr. Thomas accuses Mr. Bates of stealing wine. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 6 of Season 1 episode summary

1.5 Episode 5 of Season 1
Unkind gossip has been floating around London about Lady Mary. This worries Lady Cora who knows very well that the rumors are true. She wastes no time to find another suitor for her daughter that she invites Sir Anthony Strallan to dinner. Meanwhile, Miss O’Brien sensing that Daisy knows something about the night Mr. Pamuk died convinces Lady Edith to speak to the kitchen maid. Moreover, she and Thomas come up with a plan to get Mr. Bates fired. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 5 of Season 1 episode summary

1.4 Episode 4 of Season 1
Mrs. Hughes’ former boyfriend arrives at Downton Abbey and asks her to marry him. Lady Violet asks Matthew to find a way to challenge the entail putting him in an awkward position. Meanwhile, Lady Sybil is becoming vocal about her political beliefs as she voices her support for women’s rights. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 4 of Season 1 episode summary

1.3 Episode 3 of Season 1
Lady Cora learns that Lord Branksome’s son, Evelyn Napier, will be dropping by at Downton and decides to invite him to stay at their house. Mr. Napier brings with him Mr. Pamuk, the son of one of the Turkish Sultan’s ministers who is vital in the peace talks in Albania. Lady Mary seeing the gorgeous, young man becomes quite taken with him, and the young man could not resist her as well. Their attraction leads to an incident that will change their lives forever. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 3 of Season 1 episode summary

1.2 Episode 2 of Season 1
Matthew and Isobel Crawley arrive at Downton Abbey. With a comment that was regrettably said within the earshot of Lady Mary, Matthew starts off on the wrong foot with Lady Mary. Cousin Isobel, a trained nurse, begins asserting herself at the hospital suggesting an unorthodox treatment for one of its seriously ill patients. Her imposition annoys Lady Grantham who is the president of the institution. Meanwhile, someone from Mr. Carson’s past arrives at Downton Abbey, and this puts him on edge. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 2 of Season 1 episode summary

1.1 Episode 1 of Season 1
In April 1912, the sinking of the Titanic claims the lives of the two heirs of Downton Abbey. News of their death breaks the heart of Lord Grantham, and also causes stir in his household. With no heir in sight, Lord Grantham’s daughter stands a chance to claim what is rightfully hers, but it would mean breaking the entail that unjustly prevents her from inheriting the title and the estate that comes along with it. Having tied their fortune to the estate, the Crawleys face losing their fortune to a complete stranger. >>Read Downton Abbey's Episode 1 of Season 1 episode summary