Fans were left "dumbstruck" by the sudden death of Matthew Crawley in a car accident at the end of Season 3, just after the birth of his heir. This followed the earlier, equally tragic loss of Lady Sybil during childbirth. Upstairs: The Crawley Sisters' Journeys

The series begins in 1912 with the news of the Titanic disaster, which claims the lives of the Crawley heirs and leaves the estate in a precarious position. This set the stage for years of tension over the "entail" and the arrival of the middle-class Matthew Crawley.

Starting with the shock of the Titanic 's sinking and ending with the snow-covered peace of a new era, Downton Abbey took us on a six-season journey through the shifting sands of British aristocracy. Whether you're here for the sharp-tongued wit of the Dowager Countess or the high-stakes drama of the servants' hall, this complete recap covers the defining moments of the Crawley family and their loyal staff.