1. On Trial
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The very first episode - written by Fay Weldon - of one of the most popular British TV drama series of all time. Downstairs regulars Hudson, Rose and Mrs Bridges are joined by a troublesome new chambermaid.
The very first episode - written by Fay Weldon - of one of the most popular British TV drama series of all time. Downstairs regulars Hudson, Rose and Mrs Bridges are joined by a troublesome new chambermaid.
The turbulent lives of the Bellamy clan and their servants
More infoThe very first episode - written by Fay Weldon - of one of the most popular British TV drama series of all time. Downstairs regulars Hudson, Rose and Mrs Bridges are joined by a troublesome new chambermaid.
It's June 1904 and Lady Marjorie is sitting for her portrait by Guthrie Scone, a Scottish aristocrat turned avant-garde painter.
It is August 1904. The Bellamys and their senior servants are away on their summer holidays. The younger servants, left behind to clean the house on reduced pay, indulge in a wild evening of drinking and dressing-up.
It is May 1905. Elizabeth Bellamy, home from abroad and about to make her society debut, shocks her family and the servants by refusing to conform to custom. And at the first grand ball she creates a scandal.
Elizabeth decides not to marry Angus and is captivated by a German baron visiting England at Christmas.
October, 1906. During a week when Richard Bellamy is alone in the house, working on a book, he finds the young under - housemaid, Mary, crying as she lays the library fire. He learns of her secret trouble and unwisely promises to help.
Classic drama series. The servants' hall is buzzing with gossip after Lady Bellamy is swept off her feet by a handsome young captain from the North West Frontier Force.
Classic drama series. Emily the kitchen maid falls deeply in love with Mrs van Groeben's young footman, but their relationship is doomed from the start.
Classic drama series. On the eve of an important dinner party, Mrs Bridges the cook gets into considerable trouble with the police.
Classic drama series. Elizabeth and James Bellamy discover Sarah, their former under-housemaid, starving and homeless in the East End.
Classic drama series. The arrival at Eaton Place of James's guest, a Swedish army captain, spells romance and betrayal for parlour maid Sarah.
Classic period drama. Elizabeth becomes involved with a group of Bloomsbury intellectuals, and comes under the influence of a woman of radical left-wing views who lives with a poet she is besotted with.
Classic drama series. Elizabeth, now 21 years old and in love with poet Lawrence Kirbridge, is determined to lead a modern, independent life. But it appears as if she is fighting a vain battle against convention.