The Truth Behind Downton Abbey's Final Episode

Table of Contents

The Grand Finale of Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, set to debut in theaters on September 12, marks the conclusion of a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences since its inception in 2010. Over the years, fans have followed the lives of the Crawley family, led by the Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), and their staff through six television seasons and three feature films. The latest film sees the estate entering a new chapter as Robert passes the reins to two capable women—his daughter Mary (Michelle Dockery) and long-time employee Daisy Parker (Sophie McShera). Meanwhile, Robert and his wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) move into the smaller Dower House, a space once occupied by Robert’s mother, Violet (Maggie Smith), who passed away in 2024. A tribute to her appears at the end of the film.

Mary faces significant challenges as she takes over the day-to-day operations of Downton. She is in the midst of a divorce, which has made her an outcast within her social circle. Additionally, maintaining large estates like Downton has become increasingly expensive. The Crawleys also face financial setbacks when they discover that Cora’s brother, Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), entrusted Cora’s mother’s fortune to a dishonest financial advisor who lost nearly all the money. This loss compounds the impact of the 1929 stock market crash, adding to the family's struggles.

Despite these difficulties, the Crawleys find some relief when celebrated playwright Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) visits Downton. His presence brings a much-needed boost to morale during a difficult time.

Divorce in 1930: Social Stigma and Legal Challenges

Divorce was a topic of great controversy in the 1930s, especially for someone like Mary, whose marital troubles make her a subject of public scrutiny. Her situation is so scandalous that she is asked to leave a London ball when a princess is in attendance, highlighting the rigid social norms of the era. Even though divorce laws were evolving, it remained a complex and often stigmatized process.

Before 1857, divorce in England required an act of Parliament, making it rare. After that, men could initiate divorce if their wives committed adultery, but women had stricter conditions, such as proving cruelty or bigamy. By 1923, women could divorce for adultery, but societal attitudes still placed blame on them. As historian Roderick Phillips explains, “Even when a husband committed adultery, quite often, the woman was held to be partially responsible for it.”

Gus Sambrook, a financial advisor, suggests that Mary consider moving to America, where divorce is more accepted. However, this varies by state, with some regions being more lenient than others.

Noël Coward: A Cultural Icon

Noël Coward plays a central role in the film, with the Crawleys attending his play Bitter Sweet in London. Edith (Laura Carmichael) notes that they are living in the age of Coward, a statement that rings true. At 30, Coward was already a celebrated figure, known for his bold plays that touched on themes of bisexuality and homosexuality during a time of shifting social norms.

Coward’s wit and charm are evident in the film, particularly in his line about making a perfect martini. He is portrayed as a man who connects more with the servants than the aristocrats, a reflection of his humble beginnings. In the film, he draws inspiration from Mary’s story to write Private Lives, a play about a divorced couple rekindling their romance.

Author Oliver Soden compares modern writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge to Coward, noting the similarities in how they portray privileged women navigating personal and societal challenges.

The Struggles of Country Estates in 1930

Maintaining grand estates like Downton became increasingly difficult in the 1930s, largely due to rising taxes and the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Many estates faced criticism for their opulence while many people struggled with poverty. As Adrian Tinniswood explains, “You've got people saying, 'how is it that somebody can live in Downton Abbey with 30 servants when there's people starving on the streets?'”

The aftermath of World War I also contributed to the decline of country estates, as many heirs were lost and new buildings replaced old ones. Some estates were repurposed as schools or opened to the public, marking the beginning of a tourist industry centered around these historic sites.

Highclere Castle, the real-life location of Downton Abbey, remains open to visitors, offering fans a chance to experience the magic of the franchise firsthand. For those unable to travel to the UK, the legacy of Downton continues to resonate through its rich storytelling and historical insights.