10 Greatest ‘Downton Abbey’ Quotes, Ranked

Set within the early many years of the twentieth century, Downton Abbey grew to become a cultural phenomenon, drawing audiences into the complicated lives of the aristocratic Crawley household and their loving employees. A real consolation look ahead to lovers of interval dramas and romances, this was a present that knew methods to drive the drama in distinctive methods. Between stunning deaths, epic romances, and scheming plots, it is no marvel why it earned such vital acclaim throughout its six seasons, whereas additionally spawning a number of spin-off movies.

In fact, the place Downton Abbey is usually revered for its opulent settings and fascinating characters, the present can be a treasure trove of sharp, heartfelt, and thought-provoking dialogue. As such, with the third movie effectively and really on its means, it solely appears honest to rejoice the fantastic phrases of Julian Fellows and spotlight Downton‘s greatest strains. And we’re not simply speaking about probably the most iconic ones (since Violet Crawley would simply dominate), we’re speaking about the quotes from Downton Abbey that made us snigger, cry, and ponder about life in new and thrilling methods.

10 “The enterprise of life is the acquisition of reminiscences. Ultimately, that is all there’s.”

Charles Carson (Season 4, Episode 4)

He could also be a little bit of a staunch traditionalist, however there is no doubt that Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) is all the time a trusted supply of knowledge. We clearly acknowledge this via his particular bond with Mary (Michelle Dockery), and but, it is his moments of self-reflection that always transfer audiences probably the most. One specific second happens in Season 4, when Mr. Carson learns that his long-lost love had died years prior, however not earlier than lastly admitting her love for him.

As a token of remembrance, Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) presents him a framed {photograph} of Alice. His response is gorgeous in all its simplicity because it speaks concerning the common fact: the fleeting nature of life and its lasting legacy of reminiscences and relationships, not materials pursuits. Mr. Carson’s phrases remind us to cherish these moments, a lesson that feels much more poignant given his lifelong dedication to service.

9 “It is the gloomy issues that want our assist. If every little thing within the backyard is sunny, why meddle?”

Woman Sybil Crawley (Season 1, Episode 6)

As an aristocratic high-born household, it is not that shocking that the Crawleys are sometimes criticized for being out of contact with the true world – that’s, apart from candy Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay). Because the youngest of the household, Sybil was seemingly their black sheep. Curious, compassionate, and a extremely progressive girl, she despised the rigidity of societal expectations, typically fiercely preventing for causes all about equality and serving to these in want.

Noting his daughter’s rising curiosity within the nation’s contentious political scene, Lord Robert Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) voices his concern about Sybil’s well-being, questioning why she is so drawn to heavy-hearted causes. With no beat, her phrases converse to her perception, that true function comes from uplifting those that are struggling, reasonably than attempting to good one thing that’s already thriving. On this one easy quote, audiences get an entire sense of Sybil’s spirit and ethical readability, cementing her as considered one of Downton‘s most beloved characters (as morality is not all that straightforward to come back by on this universe).

8 “Actual love means giving somebody the facility to harm you.”

Tom Branson (Season 6, Episode 5)

Of all of the characters in Downton, none skilled such an excessive social and private transformation as Tom Branson (Allen Leech). First launched because the Crawley’s chauffeur, he ultimately grew to become a part of the household upon his marriage to Sybil. Although turbulent at first, on account of class and political variations, his relationship with the household strengthened, particularly within the aftermath of Sybil’s tragic loss of life. Certainly, Tom grew to become the make-shift sibling of the Crawley trio, filling the void solid by Sybil’s absence.

His brotherly relationship with Mary was one of many nice strengths within the later seasons, with one second significantly standing out in Season 6. Desirous to turn out to be her matchmaker, Tom makes an attempt to encourage her curiosity in Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode), the dashing race automotive driver, regardless of Mary’s personal cussed denial. Wanting her to search out happiness, Tom drops a little bit knowledge bomb to assist alleviate her fears about falling in love once more. It is a quick second, however one which captures their familial love so clearly. His phrases are additionally particularly poignant, provided that each are deeply related by their shared experiences of being a widow/widower.

7 “You might be being examined. And you realize what they are saying, my darling, being examined solely makes you stronger.”

Cora Crawley, The Countess of Grantham (Season 3, Episode 3)

The place Robert Grantham will be the head of the Crawley family, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) will all the time be its coronary heart. A loving matriarch, who all the time sees the perfect in others, she is fiercely protecting of her family members, particularly in terms of securing the well-being of her daughters — even with some needing her knowledge a tad bit greater than others. Sure, it is secure to say that Edith (Laura Carmichael) was the recipient of Cora’s assist probably the most. And no scene exemplifies this greater than when Edith obtained jilted on the altar.

Humiliated and distraught, Edith sobs on her mattress whereas sporting her wedding ceremony costume and veil. Empathizing over her daughter’s ache, Cora provides her a heartfelt reminder of resilience within the face of adversity. In fact, this quote exemplifies the tenderness of a mom’s love as Cora’s phrases are equal elements comforting as they’re empowering. And but, there’s additionally an added layer of that means to it, since audiences are conscious of Edith’s struggles find her place and being appreciated for her personal advantage.

6 “I’ve to take one factor without any consideration. That I’ll love you till the final breath leaves my physique.”

Matthew Crawley (Season 3, Episode 6)

Aside from Sybil, it is effectively regarded that Matthew (Dan Stevens) was simply probably the most kindhearted character within the present. Beginning out as a humble lawyer, solely to unexpectedly turn out to be the inheritor to an aristocratic title, he nonetheless remained ever so benevolent no matter whether or not he was interacting with household, employees, or mere acquaintances. Nonetheless, it was witnessing his rising relationship with Mary that stole the hearts of audiences.

An entire romantic, Matthew had a means with phrases that always reassured Mary of his fierce love, even after they skilled attempting occasions. One of the vital memorable moments adopted the sudden loss of life of Sybil. Struggling to grasp the tragedy of the state of affairs, the 2 agreed to stay life to the fullest, leading to Matthew giving his best declaration of affection. The place this undoubtedly pulls on the heartstrings, avid followers of Downton can not help however acknowledge the unlucky foreshadowing at play. This makes this quote not solely swoon-worthy and heartwarming, but additionally extremely heart-breaking.

5 “Typically I do not know whom I am most in mourning for, Matthew or the particular person I was after I was with him.”

Woman Mary Crawley (Season 4, Episode 3)

From her very introduction, it was clear that Mary Crawley was made out to be the chilly, bitter, and considerably mean-spirited one within the household. Nonetheless, a lot of that modified as soon as she and Matthew solid a romantic relationship, as he was capable of carry out a kindness and vulnerability that not often anybody had ever seen earlier than. That’s the reason his sudden loss of life was such a serious blow – not solely to the present, however to Mary’s personal narrative arc.

Affected by her grief, Mary struggled to attach with any of her family members, together with her personal son. Fortunately, she manages to emerge from her darkish bubble, however not with out present process some deep reflection. Talking to her beloved maid, Anna (Jo Froggatt), Mary expresses her concern concerning the ripple results of Matthew’s loss of life, and the way this will likely additionally imply the lack of the kindhearted girl she grew to become to be. Such introspection highlights the complexities of grief, whereas additionally bringing forth her sense of humanity. The place this may be upsetting, it really makes Mary an even more compelling and relatable character along with her navigating the hardships of loss and reinvention. It reveals audiences a brand new aspect to her, making certain they are not simply delay by her abrasiveness.

4 “You are a b***h, and never content material with ruining your personal life, you are decided on ruining mine.”

Woman Edith Crawley (Season 6, Episode 8)

It is nearly an understatement to say that Edith struggled with love. From being left on the altar, to her lover being tragically killed by Nazis, to having to cover a scandalous out-of-wedlock being pregnant — Edith’s eventual relationship with Bertie Pelham (Harry Haddon-Paton) may solely be seen as a well-deserved blessing, particularly with him all of a sudden turning into the Marquess of Hexam. Sadly for Edith, her greatest impediment got here within the type of her older sister, Mary.

After years of stress, Mary and Edith’s rivalry got here to a head when Mary – consumed by her personal self-loathing over sabotaging her personal relationship – revealed Edith’s secret baby to Bertie. Feeling betrayed by Edith not trusting him with the reality, he broke off their engagement, resulting in a long-awaited confrontation between the 2 sisters. Rejecting Mary’s hole guilt, Edith brutally calls her out for being bitter and merciless. Certainly, Mary’s vindictiveness had lastly crossed a line, and for a present so steeped in societal propriety, this blatant uncooked honesty stands out as one of the iconic (and rewarding) moments of your entire sequence.

3 “Nicely, aren’t we the fortunate ones [to have loved]?”

Isobel Crawley (Season 4, Episode 6)

If it wasn’t clear already, loss and grief are frequent themes explored all through Downton. For some motive, marriages and relationships typically finish in tragedy with many companions unexpectedly dying. Season 3 was a testomony to this, as audiences have been met with the sudden loss of two fan-favorite characters: Sybil and Matthew. And the place this was clearly heartbreaking, the loss felt even better because it additionally meant the top of two beloved on-screen relationships.

Season 4 explores this grief on a complete different stage, as audiences really witness the characters processing their emotions. In these scenes, feelings run excessive, and none extra so than the one within the nursery the place Tom, Mary, and Isobel (Dame Penelope Wilton) reminisce over the reminiscences of their misplaced loves. The second is bittersweet, however Isobel’s poignant line superbly frames their grief in a extra constructive gentle – one which acknowledges the blessings of experiencing such fierce and all-consuming love. As a result of, in spite of everything, it is higher to have cherished and misplaced than to by no means have cherished in any respect.

2 “When tragedies strike, we attempt to discover somebody responsible. And within the absence of an appropriate candidate, we often blame ourselves.”

Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham (Season 3, Episode 4)

If we’re being trustworthy, the Dowager Countess (played by Dame Maggie Smith) may have simply stuffed up this whole checklist as she was typically given the perfect strains. Her wit clearly is aware of no bounds, and it is unsurprising to notice that she balances this out along with her immanent knowledge. Because the all-knowing matriarch, she is the household’s north star that all of them look to for assist and recommendation, even when they do not wish to admit it.

One second that greatest illustrates her knowledge happens within the aftermath of Sybil’s loss of life, as Cora begins responsible Robert’s actions as its trigger. Noting the extreme pressure of their relationship, and the way it’s taking a toll on her son, Violet comforts Robert by providing a easy clarification of human nature: self-blame is a pure response, but it surely is not all the time a simply one. This quote not solely strikes audiences by being a candy second between mom and son (one thing we not often see within the present), however it is usually a line that deeply resonates with the true hardships of loss. This has the facility to impression actual lives and other people, all of whom are experiencing the identical form of ache.

1 “You are a lady with a mind and cheap capability. Cease whining and discover one thing to do.”

Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham (Season 3, Episode 4)

The place we did contact on this, no Downton quote article may ever be full with out totally appreciating the greatness of Violet Crawley’s iconic quips. Usually delivered as a delicate insult, this Dowager is not afraid to talk her fact even when it could be a bit brash. That mentioned, generally her merciless honesty comes on the proper time, similar to when she tries to inspire her granddaughters to take management of their lives.

Edith, for example, visits Violet and discusses her struggles with discovering her true function. Sadly (or happily) for her, Violet responds along with her traditional no-nonsense pragmatic knowledge. On the floor, it is a sharp reprimand, however beneath all of it lies an encouraging message of perception. Violet acknowledges Edith’s potential for achievement, and reasonably than coddling her, powerful love is used to push her to rise above her circumstances. Delivered along with her trademark wit, it is a line that lingers as it’s each amusing and motivating. Oh, Dame Maggie Smith. What a real icon. If solely we may obtain a pep-talk like this every single day.

NEXT: The Best ‘Downton Abbey’ Episodes, Ranked