The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed for ever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son.

Cora's attempts at matchmaking and dashed when Mary is smitten not by intended target Evelyn Napier, but by his handsome friend, Turkish attache Kemal Pamuk.

Downton is turned upside down with the arrival of the wounded officers. Branson intends to make General Strutt's visit a day no one will forget. And Willian's return results in an awkward surprise for Daisy.

It's Christmas, 1919, the Crawley family intend to throw a lavish party, even though the arrest of Bates causes a lot of tension. And strife continues for Lady Mary and Sir Richard after yet another confrontation between the two.

Matthew insists that his way of managing the estate is more efficient, guaranteeing Downton's future. The arrival of Branson's brother isn't the only problem surrounding him, and Edith is the recipient of admiration from a wholly unexpected resource.

The Crawleys head for the Scottish highlands to enjoy the hospitality of Rose's family while most of the staff stay behind. New crisis unfolds amid the stay, and Mary finds herself in need to return to Downton early.

Rose is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. Martha Levinson and Cora's brother arrive from New York and make quite an impressions amongst London's high society. And the Crawleys are implicated in a scandal that threatens to engulf the monarchy.

Tensions from both sides threaten to derail Rose's wedding. Robert surprises Mrs Patmore at the war memorial reveal. Meanwhile, Branson has come to a heart-wrenching decision and the storm clouds that gathers over Anna and Bates finally burst.

An old acquaintance comes to Edith's aid, while Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes' big day brings an unexpected arrival.Spratt has something to hide but Denker is hot on the trail. Tensions mount over the hospital takeover, leading Isobel of offend a friend.

Mary endeavors to build bridges but Edith's secret continues to pose a threat. Henry finds his place at Downton more difficult, while Isobel and Violet join forces. And the day Anna and Bates have been waiting for finally arrives.

Cora makes a discovery that throws the inheritance issue into chaos, Thomas leaves the Abbey and Mary exacts vengeance on Edith for her treachery, while the household is rocked by a shocking announcement.

It's Christmas, 1919, the Crawley family intend to throw a lavish party, even though the arrest of Bates causes a lot of tension. And strife continues for Lady Mary and Sir Richard after yet another confrontation between the two.

Cora's mother arrives from America for the nupitals, but the young couple are dealing with many stresses. While Robert must shoulder a heavy burden as severe financial problems threaten the future of the estate and all who live and work there.

The financial situation for the Crawley family becomes even more precarious and Violet and Mary are hopeful that Cora's wealthy mother may be persuaded to come to the rescue. Mrs. Huges has some worrying personal news and Alfred's progress rankles Thomas.

The Crawleys head for the Scottish highlands to enjoy the hospitality of Rose's family while most of the staff stay behind. New crisis unfolds amid the stay, and Mary finds herself in need to return to Downton early.

Emerging from her grief, Mary starts to take an interest in the running of the estate but is met with resistance from Robert. Bates hatches a plan to help Molesley, and Rose gets into a sticky situation at a tea dance in York.

An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends. Some guests, however, prove more welcome than others and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.

Amid the fallout of the eventful house party Mary faces a pressing question about her future, Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and a trip to London sees Rose put the reputation of the Crawleys in jeopardy.

A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose’s surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs. A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives more unwelcome news.

Relations between Robert and Cora are now strained, and Mary is pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic measures. And Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green's death.

Downton Abbet opens its doors to the public for charity, and tensions between Cora and Violet reach a dramatic climax. Baxter is thrown into turmoil when she receives a letter. Mary surprises Henry in London, while Bertie comes to Downton to see Edith.

The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed for ever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son.

Cora makes a discovery that throws the inheritance issue into chaos, Thomas leaves the Abbey and Mary exacts vengeance on Edith for her treachery, while the household is rocked by a shocking announcement.

The Great War unsettles life at Downton and Isobel's surprising news about Matthew rocks the family further. New maid, Ethel ruffles O'Brien's feathers and Bates returns with life changing news for Anna.

Rosamund is eager to unearth Lavinia and Carlisle's secret. The death of an officer motivates Isobel and Sybil to see Downton in a different light. New valet Lang arrives as William gets his call up papers and is love in the air for both Edith and Mary?

Downton is turned upside down with the arrival of the wounded officers. Branson intends to make General Strutt's visit a day no one will forget. And Willian's return results in an awkward surprise for Daisy.

There's worrying news about Matthew and William. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil, and Robert goes out his way to bring Bates back.

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with Wiliam moves faster than she would like; Vera's return threatens to expose old secrets and Mary pays a high price for turning to Carlisle for help.

A wounded Canadian officer comes to Downton to recuperate and unsettles everything. Ethel learns some distressing news. Did Bates heed Robert's caution not to lose his temper with Vera? And would Carson be leaving Downton?