A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

Maggie Smithas Violet Crawley
Michelle Dockeryas Mary Crawley
Laura Carmichaelas Edith Crawley
Joanne Froggattas Anna Smith
Hugh Bonnevilleas Robert Crawley
Phyllis Loganas Mrs. Hughes
Jessica Brown Findlayas Sybil Crawley
Elizabeth McGovernas Cora Crawley
Jim Carteras Charles Carson
Brendan Coyleas John Bates
Julian Fellowes
John Lunn