We have started watching season 1 again in anticipation. It's 100 years ago since the time in which the story takes place - the year the Titanic went down. Maybe there are still people who live like the Grantham family, with servants at their beck and call and in such sumptuous surroundings. But even the changes within the house and family over the 2 series show that it is a world gone forever. The changes in transport, communication, technology, fashion and so many other things have moved on so greatly that it's hard to be sure we are even watching a true representation of the early 20th century. How would we know? When the Duke says he can't see the point of installing electricity in the kitchen, modern viewers are just going to be baffled to the point of hilarity! It becomes more apparent why so many servants are needed in such a big house - more than are actually represented in the series. For the sake of limiting the list of characters, Daisy actually would have been about 3 girls doing different menial tasks.
Andrew's great grandmother went into service when she was about 14. She was in fact 14 in 1912 and went on to become 96 years old. Her daughter went on to marry a man who worked for Ford. Her grandchildren became an accountant, a nurse and a vicar and all 5 of her great grandchildren went on to gain degrees and in some cases postgraduate education. Just one family's little history which is a small example of the changes in people's expectations in their lifestyle and education.
It's amazing to see it all brought to life in Downton and I am looking forward to season 3.
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