Downton Abbey

It is April 1912, and news arrives of the sinking of the Titanic with the loss of Downton's heir James and his son Patrick.

Everyone is anxious at the arrival of Matthew Crawley, the heir presumptive, and his mother, Isobel. Matthew encounters problems settling in to this new life whilst Isobel and Violet are immediately at daggers drawn. Carson is mortified to be confronted with his past and Gwen seems to have a secret correspondent.

Mary is instantly attracted to handsome Turkish attaché, Kemal Pamuk. However, their romance is cut brutally short, sending ripples of unease through the house. No one is more interested than O'Brien in Pamuk's movements. Gwen is humiliated when her secret is exposed. Bates goes to extreme lengths to cure his limp.

The fair arrives in the village and Mrs Hughes finds herself the centre of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position at Downton. Violet and Isobel are in conflict over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Elsewhere, Carson fears there is a thief at Downton.

The village is preparing for its annual flower show.

Sybil's political aspirations land her in trouble. Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected twist whilst the question of the wine thief is brought to a head with a shocking revelation by Bates. Edith may have found an admirer at last. Branson is more lovesick than ever.

Cora's news throws Matthew's future into jeopardy and makes Mary question the proposal. Thomas finds a new future for himself and so does Gwen. But Mary, by her lack of decision, may have lost hers. A grand garden party at Downton brings events to a head, but all this pales into insignificance in the face of Robert's shock announcement.