15 Downton Abbey Secrets Unveiled

Remember when Downton Abbey graced our screens on Jan. 9, 2011? It’s been over 12 years since the Crawley family and their entourage first welcomed us into their grand English estate. From scandalous deaths to jaw-dropping revelations, the show, created by Julian Fellowes, turned into a pop culture sensation, catapulting its stars into stardom and giving us the iconic Dowager Countess, played by Maggie Smith.

Table of Contents

As we take a stroll down Downton’s memory lane, let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes secrets that make this period drama even more intriguing.

1. The Inspiration Behind Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey’s creator, Julian Fellowes, drew inspiration from his upbringing with a diplomat father. The family dynamics and societal intricacies reflected in the show have roots in Fellowes’ own experiences, adding a personal touch to the narrative.

2. Julian Fellowes’ Aristocratic Background

Surprisingly, Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey, is not just a creative mind but also a Baron and a member of the House of Lords. His real-life aristocratic connection adds an interesting layer to his ability to portray the complexities of the upper class.

3. Spot-On Casting Choices

Casting director Jill Trevellick revealed that they managed to secure their first choices for almost every character. The ensemble, including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens, was carefully chosen, contributing to the show’s success.

4. The Challenge of Casting John Bates

Finding the right actor for valet John Bates proved to be a challenge. Brendan Coyle, despite facing initial reservations, eventually landed the role after considerations about his previous period genre piece. The casting process sheds light on the intricacies involved in assembling the Downton Abbey cast.

5. Matthew Crawley’s Departure

Dan Stevens’ decision to leave the show led to Matthew Crawley’s shocking death in the season three finale. Stevens cited a desire for new challenges, emphasizing the evolving nature of actors’ careers in the TV landscape.

6. Impact of Matthew’s Death

Despite the initial backlash from upset viewers, the season four premiere broke ratings records with 10.2 million viewers. The show’s ability to navigate character departures and maintain its popularity speaks to its storytelling prowess.

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7. Alternate Fate for Lady Sybil

Had Dan Stevens communicated his departure earlier, the show’s creators contemplated a different exit for Lady Sybil. The revelation adds a touch of what-if speculation to the show’s history.

8. Highclere Castle: A Real-Life Downton

The majestic Highclere Castle served as the real-life location for Downton Abbey. Not only did it become a major tourist attraction, but it was also available on Airbnb, offering fans a chance to experience the grandeur of the show’s setting.

9. Ghostly Rumors at Highclere Castle

The show’s historical consultant, Alastair Bruce, shared a paranormal rumor about Highclere Castle. The jangling of keys, as featured in the show’s opening sequence, apparently corresponds to a ghostly former housekeeper, adding a supernatural twist to the real-world setting.

10. Laura Carmichael’s Reluctant Audition

Laura Carmichael, who portrayed Lady Edith Crawley, almost skipped her audition due to commitments to a Shakespearean production. Her initial expectations of a minor TV role contrast with the significant impact her character had on the series.

11. Gillian Anderson’s Rejection

In a surprising turn of events, Gillian Anderson turned down the role of Cora Crawley. Elizabeth McGovern eventually took on the character, showcasing the delicate balance of casting choices in shaping the show’s narrative.

12. Royal Approval: Queen Elizabeth II’s Watchful Eye

Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted fan of Downton Abbey, engaging in fun fact-checking sessions while watching. The unexpected royal endorsement adds a regal touch to the show’s widespread appeal.

13. Maggie Smith’s Downton Dilemma

Despite her iconic portrayal of Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, Maggie Smith admitted to never watching the series. Her candid revelation provides a glimpse into the actor’s perspective on viewing her own work.

14. The Royal Fan: Prince William

Prince William confessed to being a fan of the show, attributing his newfound interest to watching it with his wife, Kate Middleton. The unexpected royal viewership highlighted the show’s broad demographic reach.

15. The Corset Conundrum

The female stars of Downton Abbey faced discomfort due to the requirement of wearing corsets under their costumes. Chief costume designer Susannah Buxton revealed the challenges, emphasizing the sacrifices made for authentic period portrayals.

Unveiling these 15 secrets offers fans a deeper understanding of the intricate web of decisions, challenges, and unexpected turns that contributed to the captivating world of Downton Abbey.

Author Profile

Dan Dunn

Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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