This article was submitted by Alyce Deveau, the Swampscott Public Library's director.

There has developed over the past year a great interest in the PBS miniseries Downton Abbey. At the library we have year one and year two of this very popular television show on DVD.

This series has a great following and these DVDs are constantly being checked out.  Many Americans love to watch the “Austen-like” family drama complete with castles, upstairs and downstairs maids and seemingly great opulence.

The plot centers on the inheritance laws of England and the present inhabitants of Downton Abbey.  The Earl of Granthan, Lord Crawley and his wife and three daughters are the current residents.  Lord Crawley feels that his mission in life is to protect and develop Downton.

In an attempt to find funding to keep Downton in good condition Lord Crawley married a wealthy American. She brought a great deal of money to Downton Abbey and this fortune became a part of the estate. The main problem that the family faces now is because of the entail, Lord Crawley’s daughters cannot inherit the house or his money if something should happen to him.

The story proceeds as Lord Crawley tries to settle his affairs and marry off his daughters so that they will not be left without a fortune. This chronicle is very like a soap-opera but because of all of the glamour and the beautiful settings, viewers get completely involved in the lives of the Crawleys and their staff.

If someone were to begin watching and miss a few weeks, have no fear the DVDs are available and one can catch up on the lives of the Crawleys.