As the beloved British period drama Downton Abbey prepares to take its final bow this September, fans worldwide are finding new ways to celebrate and say goodbye. For some, the opportunity to own a piece of the show’s storied history is proving irresistible. On August 18, 2025, a remarkable auction opened, offering up a treasure trove of props and costumes from the series—each item carrying a slice of the Crawley family’s world and the legacy of a show that has captivated more than 120 million viewers globally, according to Bonhams auction house.
This isn’t just any sale. Charlie Thomas of Bonhams, who is overseeing the auction, has already seen a surge of interest from across the globe. “We’ve already had a huge amount of interest coming from across the globe, especially from America, from Europe, a lot from northern Europe, from Asia,” he told Agence France-Presse (AFP). “People have sort of fallen in love with these characters.” It’s a sentiment that’s hard to argue with. Downton Abbey, created by Julian Fellowes, first aired in the UK in 2010 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Spanning six seasons and 52 episodes, it chronicled the trials and triumphs of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants over three tumultuous decades.
The auction, which runs online until September 16, 2025, isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s also for a good cause. All proceeds will go to the UK children’s charity Together for Short Lives, giving devoted fans and collectors alike an extra incentive to bid on their favorite pieces. Among the highlights is the iconic “bell wall,” the servant’s call system that’s been a constant presence from the very first episode. Valued between £6,000 and £8,000, Thomas suspects it will easily surpass its pre-sale estimate. “Just to prove it’s a working bell, look at that—I expect someone’s going to deliver tea in a minute,” he joked, demonstrating the item for visitors.
Other standout lots include Lord and Lady Grantham’s 1925 Sunbeam saloon car—still in running condition and valued between £25,000 and £35,000—along with Lady Mary’s elegant wedding dress (estimated at £3,000 to £5,000) and Lady Sybil’s memorable harem pants, also expected to fetch a similar amount. The public was invited to view all these items in person at a special exhibition on August 18, where reverence and excitement mingled in the air. One visitor, who admired the cane used by Violet Crawley (the Dowager Countess, played by the late Maggie Smith), said, “It’s a beautiful item. I would like to buy the cane for my mother-in-law who is turning 70, but I am not sure how she’ll take it,” she added with a smile.
The cane, of course, carries extra poignancy. Maggie Smith’s character, Violet Crawley, died in September 2024, marking the end of an era for fans who cherished her sharp wit and commanding presence. For many, owning such a memento would be a way to keep the magic of Downton Abbey alive in their own homes.
Hailey Bradley, a 23-year-old American living in London, was particularly taken with the show’s elaborate costumes. “My favorite piece(s) right now are just all the dresses. I don’t think I could even pick one, they’re all just so beautiful,” she told AFP. “It’s so glamorous,” Bradley added, describing herself as “a big fan.” For others, the exhibition was a family affair. Lucia Campara, who traveled from Milan with her husband and 11-year-old daughter, Giulia, planned their holiday around visiting places tied to Jane Austen, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey. “It’s a unique occasion to see all those objects that will soon disappear,” she said, though she admitted she wouldn’t be bidding: “The best pieces will cost too much and anyway, it is not something you would use in your daily life.”
Jenny Foster, an 85-year-old British attendee, was drawn to the 1920s dresses and confessed some mixed emotions about the saga’s conclusion. “In fact, I shall probably watch it all again anyway now, because I’ve forgotten some of it now,” she remarked. The sense of bittersweet nostalgia was palpable throughout the exhibition, as fans young and old reflected on what the series has meant to them over the years.
But the world of Downton Abbey isn’t fading quietly into the past. Alongside the auction, anticipation is building for the franchise’s third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, set to hit cinemas on September 12, 2025. According to Channel 5 and other outlets, the film will focus on themes of divorce and the Crawley family’s struggle to adapt in a rapidly changing world—a fitting capstone for a series that has always balanced tradition with transformation.
Meanwhile, the show’s enduring influence is being felt in other corners of British television. Channel 5 is preparing to launch a new drama series called Big Winners, starring Sue Johnston (who played Miss Denker in Downton Abbey) and Paul Copley (Albert Mason in the series, and also known from Last Tango in Halifax). The show, set to air later in 2025, follows Edith and Arthur Thistle, a couple married for 55 years who suddenly find themselves £14 million richer after a lottery win. But instead of unbridled joy, the windfall leads to unexpected upheaval—Edith announces she wants a divorce, while Arthur dreams of champagne, cruises, and golf clubs. Channel 5 describes the series as “a thrilling, funny, deeply emotional exploration of lives lived, and lives missed.”
With fresh talent like writer Martha Watson Allpress and director Emma Turner making their TV debuts, Big Winners promises a unique blend of humor and heartache, echoing some of the themes that made Downton Abbey so beloved. While a specific release date has yet to be announced, the buzz is already building, especially among fans eager to see familiar faces in new roles.
The connections between Downton Abbey and Big Winners serve as a reminder of the show’s far-reaching impact—not just on its devoted audience, but on the careers of its cast and the broader landscape of British drama. Both Sue Johnston and Paul Copley have spoken about the joy and challenge of returning to television in such compelling roles, and with The Grand Finale on the horizon, their work in Downton Abbey is sure to be revisited by new and old fans alike.
As the curtain falls on Downton Abbey and its artifacts find new homes, the legacy of the Crawley family lives on—not just in cherished memories, but in the ongoing evolution of British storytelling. For fans, collectors, and the children helped by Together for Short Lives, this is a finale worth celebrating.
