'Downton Abbey' (Series Two) Trivia Quiz

Answer: Maria Doyle Kennedy

Bates was, of course, in love with Anna and wanted to obtain a divorce from his wife. Unfortunately, she had discovered the truth of Lady Mary's liaison with the Turkish diplomat from series one, and threatened to make this public. As a result, Bates felt that he had no option but to leave Downton with Vera, despite his true feelings. Mrs Bates accepted money from her husband to keep quiet, but still tried to sell her story to the press (a very modern twist), only to be thwarted. Maria Doyle Kennedy played the role of Katherine of Aragon in 'The Tudors' and also appeared in the film 'The Commitments' (1991).

The other three actresses all portrayed wives to Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry VIII in 'The Tudors' television series.

Answer: Lavinia

Poor Lavinia. She was looked down on by the Dowager, who remarked
'I suppose looks aren't everything' and even by the staff, when Carson (the butler) couldn't find her family mentioned in Debrett's. Since she was the daughter of a solicitor and Matthew himself worked in the same business before being caught up in the war, she would undoubtedly have been a good match for him had he not been the heir to Downton Abbey. Lady Mary was still on the scene and still apparently in love with Matthew, despite having a new love interest of her own. Lavinia was played by Zoe Boyle in the series.

Answer: She became pregnant out of wedlock

The Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers injured in the war, and Ethel became involved with Major Bryant, one of the officers. Following the discovery of her pregnancy, he disowned her and the housekeeper, Mrs Hughes, had helped by finding Ethel a home and providing food from the big house.

The major was killed near the end of the war, leaving Ethel in an even worse situation, but she managed to show her son to his grandparents, who have visited Downton. Although initially dismissive, Mr Bryant senior (played by Kevin McNally, the real life husband of Phyllis Logan, who plays Mrs Hughes) eventually decided to take the child, but only if Ethel relinquished all claim to him. Lord Grantham did make advances to a maid but it was Jane, not Ethel, who was involved and it did not progress to a full blown affair.

The theft was fictitious and it was Molesley who tasted the wines too enthusiastically before dinner.

Answer: William Mason

William, the junior footman, was shown as being desperate to enlist, and eventually succeeded in doing so despite the Dowager Countess having done her best to prevent it. William sustained damage to his lungs while saving Matthew's life and was brought back to the Abbey to die.

He attained his heart's desire by marrying kitchen maid, Daisy, despite her obvious reluctance, before succumbing to his injuries. Thomas managed to get himself shot in the hand, and sent home, early in the war. Molesley, Matthew's valet, managed to fake chest problems to avoid being conscripted and Branson, the chauffeur, was genuinely unfit for service.

Answer: Newspapers

Carlisle was a ruthless man, used to obtaining his own way. He did not really fit into the Downton world and had to learn the correct way of addressing the aristocracy. Mrs Bates' plan to expose Lady Mary's affair failed as Carlisle tricked her into signing a secrecy agreement (another modern twist), although Mary had to tell him the truth to allow this to happen.

This left her vulnerable and in his power, and he did not hesitate to remind her of this and threaten her with the consequences should she try to break their engagement. Sir Richard was played by Ian Glen.

Answer: Allen Leech

Branson had been in love with Lady Sybil since Series One and spent much of Series Two trying to persuade her to marry him. Sybil had worked as a nurse during the war and was frustrated at returning to her former way of life. Branson offered an escape from this and they eventually eloped only to be discovered and persuaded to return to Downton.

In the final episode of the series Lord Grantham reluctantly gave his blessing to the pair, who were determined to go ahead with their plans (I expect it's destined to end in tears). Only Allen Leech was born in Ireland. Brendan Coyle played Bates and Kevin Doyle portrayed Molesley. Scottish actor Cal MacAninch made a brief appearance as Lord Grantham's replacement valet, who was suffering from 'shell shock' and left to clear the way for the return of Bates.

Answer: Poisoning

The unpleasant Mrs Bates was found dead at home, having, it seemed, taken poison to end her own life. Unfortunately, Bates had visited her on the day of her death and, we find out, had previously bought the poison which killed her, so it looked ominous for his and Anna's future happiness.

Although Anna and he did get married in the final episode, it ended in disaster as Bates was arrested for murder in the final moments of the broadcast. Since the death penalty was still in force at the time, his days could be numbered although we should not underestimate Anna's ingenuity and ability to find a way out.

Answer: Edith

Patrick was the cousin believed to have drowned in the Titanic disaster which opened series one. The soldier had been living in Canada and claimed to have lost his memory before recovering his past life as a result of the trauma he has undergone. His face had been badly burned, so he was unrecognisable, but he did seem to know quite a lot about Downton and its inhabitants.

Although he had been destined to marry Lady Mary, Edith had been in love with him and was only too willing to believe that Patrick has returned.

He discharged himself from the hospital and disappeared, without the situation being resolved, but will (presumably) return at some point to complicate Matthew's inheritance.

Answer: False

Once again, poor Lavinia. Having been taken ill, she came downstairs in time to overhear Matthew tell Mary that he should have married her and saw them kiss. Lavinia took to her bed again before telling Matthew that she released him from their engagement, then relapsing and dying. Following the funeral, Matthew told Mary that these events made it impossible for them to be together as it was seeing them together that had caused Lavinia's death - from a broken heart. Actually, Matthew, it was the illness - you don't need to be so insufferably noble.

Answer: Spanish Flu

The butler (Mr Carson), Lady Cora and Lavinia were all taken ill, as well as some of the (unnamed) maids. Cora was particularly ill, and was nursed devotedly by Miss O'Brien, who came close to confessing her role in the miscarriage suffered by her ladyship in the first series. Having led viewers to believe that she was on her deathbed, Cora made a full recovery as did Mr Carson, although his illness did give Thomas a chance to worm his way back into the household by managing matters and making himself indispensable. Lavinia, as already mentioned, did succumb. Spanish flu was rife in 1918 and had a high death rate, particularly among young adults, so to show Lavinia as the victim was historically correct.