Finding Eloquence: Eloquent Finds: A Downton Abbey Round-Up

Eloquent Finds: A Downton Abbey Round-Up

By Elizabeth Sunday, March 13, 2016 Downton Abbey, Eloquent Finds

Well, friends, the final season of Downton Abbey has come and gone, concluding in the most breathtaking, heartwarming final episode imaginable. We laughed, we cried, we sighed in contentment, and then we wanted to start all over from the beginning. From the gorgeous shots of the sprawling house and estate, to Mr. Carson’s ever-proper manners as butler, to Lady Mary’s transformation from young debutante to estate manager, to the much enjoyed one-liners of our dear Dowager Countess, we’ve loved it through the ups and downs, and we now say a bittersweet farewell to the beloved Crawley family and their entourage. Our cameras have moved away from the lives of these wonderful characters, but they will never be forgotten.

So now, I hereby offer you an Eloquent Finds collection in Downton Abbey’s honor. I’ve rounded up my favorite recent Internet finds on Season 6 as well as my favorite quotes from this last season. Please enjoy, discuss, and share your favorite quotes and finds in the comments! I’d love to hear! There can never be too much Downton Abbey :)

Photo Credit: Fanpop

Links to Check Out

Masterpiece Studio Podcast: Farewell to Downton with Julian Fellowes
If you haven’t been following the weekly Masterpiece Studio Podcast, you definitely need to check it out! Downton actors and directors have been interviewed on it to discuss behind-the-scenes tidbits, thoughts on character journeys, and what it was like to film the final moments. This recent podcast featured the talented man who served as creator, executive producer, and writer of every line of every episode – Julian Fellowes himself! Hear his final thoughts on how the show wrapped up and enjoy his reflections on how he’d grown “rather fond” of all these characters he brought to life.

I know I'd grown "rather fond" of these two. So sweet to finally see them together this season!
Photo Credit: Frock Flicks

Michelle Dockery’s Last Day of Filming at Highclere Castle
In this heartwarming video, Michelle Dockery, the well-known actress behind Lady Mary of Downton Abbey, shares what it was like to finish filming at Highclere Castle. This gorgeous mansion has been their home in a way for the past six years, and it’s touching to hear what the last moments there were like for her and the other cast and crew members.

Julian Fellowes’ Letter to Fans
A touching thank-you letter from Downton creator Julian Fellowes to all the American fans who embraced the show from the beginning. Thank you, Lord Fellowes, for sharing your talent with the world and giving us a story and characters that will forever have a special place in our hearts!

Downton Abbey and the Power of Happy Endings
Written by my good friend and fellow Anglophile, Sarah, this reflection on the final episode explores why we want and need happy endings. She hits the nail on the head and echoes many of the sentiments that ran through my head as the concluding moments of Downton faded out – we revel in happy endings because we were created for them and have one coming if we know the Author of the greatest story ever told.

There were quite a few happy endings to go around in Season 6, but I must say this was probably my favorite one :)
Photo Credit: Frock Flicks

Down in the Downton Dumps
A shameless fangirl post on The Anglophile Channel that considers Downton Abbey as a whole – why we love it, how wonderful the finale was, and how life will never be the same without it. I’m right with her and know that there will never be another show quite like it.

The Downton Abbey Series Finale Recap
Another fangirl-esque post in which the final episode is recapped via screen captures and commentary on them. She gushes, uses all caps, and describes her emotions in a fashion that encompasses the reactions of devoted Downtonites remarkably well. I was doubled over in laughter for much of this one.

Downton Abbey 6.9 Recap: The End of an Era
So…this is actually my recap that I wrote for Gossip and Gab. I had quite a bit of fun with it as it was a really fun episode to write about, and it was an delight to do so! I’d be honored for you to check it out! :)

I've loved seeing Cora and Robert stick together as the foundation of Downton through all the ups and downs!
Photo Credit: Corks & Cake

Favorite Season 6 Quotes

Does it ever get cold on the moral high ground? –Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

What did you think you were doing – sprinkling sunshine?! –Mrs. Patmore

It’s not right for you to cry alone. You’re married, and that means you never have to cry alone again. –Mr. Bates to Anna Bates

A woman can always change her mind. It’s what we’re known for. –Lady Mary Crawley

Photo Credit: Rissi Writes

Robert Crawley: No one has sharper eyes than a loving son.
Violet Crawley: You read that somewhere.
Robert Crawley: Why do you never think I can make anything up?

There’s no such thing as safe love. Real love means giving someone the power to hurt you. –Tom Branson

If I withdrew my friendship from everyone who had spoken ill of me, my address book would be empty! –Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

You will be hurt again, and so will I. Because being hurt is part of being alive. –Tom Branson

Golly gumdrops! What a turn-up! –Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham

I believe in rules, and tradition, and playing our parts. But there is something else… I believe in love. I mean, brilliant careers, rich lives, are seldom led without just some element of love. –Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Your words have made my heart pound at such a rate I’m surprised you can’t hear it! I’m hot, I’m cold, I can barely breathe and it’s all because of you! –Henry Talbot to Lady Mary Crawley

In the end, you’re my sister. And one day, only we will remember Sybil. Or Mama or Papa, or Matthew or Michael, or Granny or Carson, or any of the others who have peopled our youth. Until at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike. –Lady Edith Crawley to Lady Mary Crawley

Photo Credit: Frock Flicks

Lady Mary: Well, Mr. Talbot, you have swept me off my feet.
Henry Talbot: I promise you won’t be sorry.
Lady Mary: I better not be!

If reason fails, try force! –Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Lady Rosamund Painswick: What do you think makes the English the way we are?
Violet Crawley: Opinions differ. Some say our history, but I blame the weather.

Violet Crawley: Makes me smile, the way every year we drink to the future whatever it may bring.
Isobel Crawley Grey: Well, what else could we drink to? We’re going forward to the future, not back into the past!
Violet Crawley: If only we had the choice!