Who can resist the gorgeous gowns and magnificent scenery of Downton Abbey? This is just one of the popular television series set in the Edwardian era. This was an era of great country houses, relaxing afternoon teas, and ornate fashions. It is sometimes looked upon as “A Golden Age" before the horrors of the First World War.
But this wasn’t just an era of wealthy people who lived in wonderful houses. It was also an exciting, turbulent time. It saw the rise of socialism, feminism, and a more aspiring working-class. Some of these subjects are covered in TV dramas set in the era, for example, Sybil becomes a suffragette in Downton Abbey. Here are three TV series set in the Edwardian era which are worth seeing.
Downton Abbey
This really begins just after the true Edwardian era ended but the series is still considered Edwardian. This series has everything – a battle over an inheritance, an unrequited romance, and a sumptuous country house background. It is also superbly written and acted.
Downton Abbey begins with the death of the heir to the estate. The eldest daughter, Mary, of Lord Grantham was engaged to him. Unfortunately, the entail now passes to a young lawyer, Matthew Crowley, played by the extremely handsome Dan Stevens, unless the family can end the entail. This part of the series sees exciting clashes between Matthew and Mary as the two try to hide their increasing attraction for one another.
The series also involves rivalry between the elder sisters, Mary and Edith, a big scandal about the death of a Turkish diplomat, and nasty feuds between some of the servants. The beginning of the series is somewhat similar to that of Upstairs, Downstairs. However, that series is set mainly in a town house and doesn’t involve as much scandal and back-biting.
The second series of Downton Abbey is set during the First World War. There is more trouble as Matthew and some of the servants fight, Sybil becomes involved with the chauffeur, and Matthew gets engaged. This series deals with the changes which the war brings to the English aristocracy as this wealthy family struggles to cope with the turmoil.
Upstairs, Downstairs
This long TV series, made in the '70s, also shows the changes in society during this era. It sees the era through the eyes of the Bellamys and their servants. Lord Bellamy, an MP, is married into the aristocracy and has two children, James and Elizabeth. The series concerns the trials and tribulations of the family, as well as those of a relation, Georgina, who comes to live with them.
The series also tells the story of the Bellamys' servants. These include Hudson, the dominating butler, and Rose, the long-suffering maid. Sarah, a rebellious maid, causes ructions by falling in love with James, the young son of the house. There is also Mrs Bridges, the cook. The series was revolutionary because it concerned the lives of the servants as well as the upper classes.
This series continued for years and also showed the changes wrought by the war. Although it seems a bit old-fashioned now, Upstairs, Downstairs was probably one of the best TV series ever made because of its clever storylines, excellent acting, and well-written script.
The Duchess of Duke Street
This series, also made in the '70s, was based on the life of Rosa Lewis. She was a maid who became famous for her wonderful cooking skills and eventually owned a hotel frequented by aristocrats and even the King. The series shows her early struggles to get ahead and her long romance with an aristocrat.
This is also a long series but well-worth watching. It is a bit lachrymose at times but it shows the advance of one extremely ambitious woman battling great odds when discrimination against women was widespread.
These series are very enjoyable for people who like good period dramas.
Lisa Sanderson - Lisa has been a freelance-writer for many years. She used to write for the topic, British Social History, for Suite 101 under the ...
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