Upstairs, Downstairs
Overview
Set in a fashionable townhouse at 165 Eaton Place in London's affluent Belgravia, the story revolves around the Bellamy family, who belong to the upper echelons of society, and their dedicated staff. Over the course of three decades, this captivating drama explores their intertwined lives against a backdrop of shifting social norms, political turmoil, and personal scandals, all while navigating the devastating impacts of the First World War. The contrast between the aristocratic lifestyle of the Bellamys and the dynamic world of their servants creates a rich tapestry of human experience.
Episodes
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1
On Trial
In November 1903, Lady Marjorie brings in a fresh-faced and naive young woman named Clemence on a trial period. However, she feels that the name Cleme...
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2
The Mistress and the Maids
In June 1904, a painter tasked with creating a portrait of Lady Marjorie finds himself drawn to Sarah and persuades her to model for him. The resultin...
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3
Board Wages
In August 1904, the junior staff take advantage of a rare night alone in the house, throwing an extravagant party. Their revelry is interrupted when J...
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4
The Path of Duty
In May 1905, Elizabeth comes back home after her travels, and her parents are eager to launch her into society. However, the lively young woman isn't ...
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5
A Suitable Marriage
In December 1905, Elizabeth becomes infatuated with a dashing young German baron, raising her father's suspicions. Richard soon discovers the Baron’...
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6
A Cry for Help
In October 1906, Mary, the recently hired housemaid, opens up to Richard about her pregnancy, which stems from a violent encounter with a man who assa...
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7
Magic Casements
In the summer of 1906, Captain Hammond, a dashing young companion of James, kindly offers to take Lady Marjorie to the opera. As they spend time toget...
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8
I Dies from Love
In April 1907, Emily, a disheveled kitchen maid, is convinced that fate has united her with William, a charming footman, and she falls head over heels...
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9
Why is Her Door Locked?
In November 1907, the community grows increasingly worried about Mrs. Bridges, who has been in a deep state of sorrow since Emily's tragic suicide. Th...
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10
A Voice from the Past
In the fall of 1908, while distributing meals to the homeless, James and Elizabeth unexpectedly encounter Sara, who has been surviving on the streets....
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11
The Swedish Tiger
James receives a visit from his adventurous friend Axel Ryttsen, a captain in the Swedish Army, known for his thrill-seeking nature. Accompanying Axel...
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12
The Key of the Door
In the winter of 1908, Elizabeth finds herself captivated by a group of free-spirited Bohemians, particularly two individuals: Evelyn Larkin, a ferven...
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13
For Love of Love
In June 1909, Elizabeth and Lawrence Kirbridge have fallen deeply in love, choosing to defy societal expectations by deciding to cohabit without marry...
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1
The New Man
After enjoying their honeymoon, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kirbridge return home to establish their new life together in Greenwich.
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2
A Pair of Exiles
Sarah confides in James that she’s expecting his child, prompting the Bellamy family to take steps to prevent a potential scandal from erupting.
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3
Married Love
The situation in the Kirbridge home continues to deteriorate. Lizzie, still in the dark about her husband's sexuality, is both unhappy and furious, wh...
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4
Whom God hath Joined...
Elizabeth returns home for Christmas alone, leaving Lawrence behind, and the Bellamy family finds themselves grappling with yet another crisis. Tensio...
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5
Guest of Honour
The servants buzz with excitement as King Edward VII comes to dine at Eaton Place. However, the atmosphere shifts when an unanticipated guest shows up...
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6
The Property of a Lady
Thomas encounters a blackmailer who asserts that he possesses love letters written by Lady Marjorie to Captain Hammond.
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7
Your Obedient Servant
With the arrival of their brothers, Richard and Hudson find themselves behaving in ways they typically wouldn’t. Hudson starts to act pretentious, t...
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8
Out of the Everywhere
Elizabeth arrives back home with her newborn daughter, Lucy, accompanied by the cantankerous and elderly Nanny Webster, who is there to help care for ...
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9
An Object of Value
Tensions run high following the death of Lord Southwold. During a visit with Richard and Lady Marjorie, Lady Southwold and her friend, Miss Hodges, fi...
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10
A Special Mischief
Elizabeth decides to become involved in the suffragette movement, but her actions inadvertently lead to Rose being incarcerated as a result of her att...
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11
The Fruits of Love
The Bellamys are stunned to discover that Eaton Place, a part of the Southwold estate, must be sold to comply with the stipulations of the late Lord S...
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12
The Wages of Sin
Sarah is expecting a child with Watkins, and Lady Marjorie has finally reached her breaking point with the two of them.
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13
A Family Gathering
Elizabeth's relationship with Julius has come to an end, while James arrives back in England accompanied by his fiancée, Phyllis. This pivotal moment...
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1
Miss Forrest
In the spring of 1912, Lady Marjorie is getting ready for her trip to see Elizabeth in New York. Meanwhile, James finds himself intrigued by Richard's...
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2
A House Divided
The devastating news of the Titanic tragedy reaches Eaton Place, leaving the entire household in a state of anxiety as they eagerly await updates rega...
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3
A Change of Scene
During James' weekend trip to Somerby Park, he brings along Hudson as his valet, allowing them both to reflect on their cherished memories of Eaton Pl...
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4
A Family Secret
Downstairs, a spirited competition unfolds as everyone wonders who will tie the knot first upstairs: Captain James or his father, Richard?
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5
Rose's Pigeon
Alfred, the ex-footman of the Bellamy household, finds himself fleeing from the authorities and cleverly manipulates Rose, taking advantage of her com...
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6
Desirous of Change
Hazel Bellamy takes on her responsibilities as the head of the household with a mix of anxiety and determination. Meanwhile, Richard finds himself the...
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7
Word of Honour
Since Lady Marjorie's passing, Richard Bellamy has faced significant financial hardship. Now, as a Member of Parliament, he finds himself embroiled in...
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8
The Bolter
Hazel's initial foray into high society leads to significant embarrassment, marital turmoil, and a close brush with disaster during her and James's vi...
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9
Goodwill to All Men
During Christmas of 1913, two young women—one from the upper class and the other the newly hired parlor maid—join forces to bring joy and goodwill...
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10
What the Footman Saw
After a relaxed evening spent with friends, enjoying a few beers and sharing some local gossip, Edward finds himself facing a headache that surpasses ...
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11
A Perfect Stranger
While out doing a routine chore, Rose's life takes an unexpected twist.
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12
Distant Thunder
The differences in upbringing between James and Hazel become starkly apparent when Hazel experiences a miscarriage.
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13
The Sudden Storm
As tensions rise across Europe, the staff finds a welcome distraction in a romantic encounter downstairs and a joyful trip to a seaside resort.
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1
A Patriotic Offering
In a display of kindness, the Bellamys welcome a family of Belgian refugees into their home, extending their warmth and support. Meanwhile, Edward fac...
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2
News from the Front
James returns home on leave, sharing an honest perspective on the current situation at the front lines. Meanwhile, Daisy and Edward take the opportuni...
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3
The Beastly Hun
Hudson is in a frenzy over the sinking of the Lusitania, and his intense anti-German sentiments echo throughout the servants' hall. Meanwhile, Richard...
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4
Women Shall Not Weep
Edward and Daisy tie the knot just before he heads off to France, while Georgina steps up to become a volunteer nurse. Meanwhile, Ruby catches everyon...
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5
Tug of War
James longs for a position at the front lines, seeking a chance to serve in the thick of battle. Meanwhile, Rose steps up to take on the role of a con...
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6
Home Fires
The sudden return of Gregory Wilmot sends Rose into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Lady Prudence clashes with Helen as they argue over the arrangements for a te...
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7
If You Were the Only Girl in the World
Hazel embarks on a brief romance with Lt. Jack Dyson, whom she encountered at a tea party for injured officers. Their connection is spotted by one of ...
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8
The Glorious Dead
Unfortunately, it seems that a heavy burden of sorrow has fallen upon the residents of Eaton Place, as they receive not just one, but two pieces of he...
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9
Another Year
As this challenging year comes to a rocky finish, Helen and Richard encounter Mrs. Charles Hamilton, who seeks Richard's assistance to launch her pet ...
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10
The Hero's Farewell
Lady Prudence takes charge of the Bellamy drawing room for an important mission. Following yet another bombing in London, the residents of Eaton Place...
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11
Missing Believed Killed
Desperate for any sign that James might still be alive, the Bellamy family keeps searching for clues. However, when Trooper Frederick Norton, James' s...
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12
Facing Fearful Odds
Virginia Hamilton arrives at Eaton Place, looking for Richard's guidance regarding her son, who is in trouble and facing a court martial. At the same ...
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13
Peace Out of Pain
Rose gets some wonderful news, while James struggles with feelings of sadness over his sluggish recovery. Meanwhile, Richard is pursuing Virginia's af...
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1
On with the Dance
In June 1919, a lively Victory Parade marches past 165 Eaton Place, celebrating the end of the war. However, amidst the festive atmosphere, the shifti...
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2
A Place in the World
As Britain seeks to recover from the aftermath of the war, James Bellamy decides to enter the political arena. Meanwhile, Edward and Daisy face financ...
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3
Laugh a Little Louder Please
Georgina and her friends host a wild party at Eaton Place, leading to unforeseen and tragic outcomes. Meanwhile, Miss Treadwell, who has been hired as...
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4
The Joy Ride
After James acquires a small airplane, Virginia stands up to Richard, leading to a chaotic situation for the entire family.
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5
Wanted: A Good Home
In the spring of 1922, as William heads off to Prep School, Rose surprises Alice with a new puppy to keep her company. However, when Richard and Virgi...
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6
An Old Flame
James and Lady Diana Newbury act recklessly, showing little consideration for the effects of their actions on those around them. Meanwhile, Edward fin...
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7
Disillusion
With the arrival of spring, Hudson has discovered romance, but it brings unexpected challenges for everyone at home. Ultimately, the person he adores ...
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8
Such a Lovely Man
An important industrialist takes a keen interest in Virginia, lavishing her with attention. Meanwhile, Ruby finds herself the focus of another suitor ...
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9
The Nine Days Wonder
The whole family unites as a General Strike is declared across Britain in May 1926.
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10
The Understudy
Just before a crucial dinner gathering for a French diplomat, Hudson experiences a heart attack.
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11
Alberto
Frederick reflects on his future as he realizes that his skills are being underutilized in the Bellamy home.
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12
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
Hudson feels right at home as the Bellamys head to Scotland for their summer vacation.
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13
Joke Over
Following a night of wild antics and a dangerous drive through the countryside, Georgina finds herself summoned to a coroner's inquest after the death...
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14
Noblesse Oblige
Mrs. Bridges and Ruby discover the truth behind the saying "better the devil you know" after a fierce argument. Meanwhile, in the upstairs quarters, L...
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15
All the King's Horses
James arrives back in England, brimming with energy and newfound riches, just as the October 1929 stock market crash looms on the horizon.
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16
Whither Shall I Wander?
After almost three decades, the Bellamy story concludes with the sale of 165 Eaton Place, paving the way for new beginnings for each member of the hou...
