For Downton Abbey fans, the summer of 2025 brings a bittersweet blend of endings and new beginnings. As the third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, prepares to grace cinema screens this September, devotees of the beloved period drama are being offered an unprecedented opportunity: the chance to own a tangible piece of the show’s storied legacy. In a gesture that marries nostalgia with philanthropy, hundreds of iconic props, costumes, and set pieces from the series are set to be auctioned, with all proceeds supporting the children’s charity Together for Short Lives.
The excitement centers on Bonhams auction house in London, where a free exhibition running from August 18 through September 16, 2025, showcases 267 lots from the world of Downton. According to BBC News, the collection includes everything from the instantly recognizable bell wall in the servants’ hall to Lady Mary’s unforgettable wedding dress and even the Grantham family’s 1925 Sunbeam Saloon—a vehicle that, as Bonhams UK group director Charlie Thomas describes, is "an iconic vehicle." He notes its period details: "There's a letter rack, ashtrays and even a tiny little sunroof—but it's not a sunroof at all, it's a chimney, because in 1925 everyone was smoking."
The auction is a veritable treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. Among the headline items is the pale apricot chiffon wedding dress worn by Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley during her on-screen marriage to Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). The ensemble, complete with ivory satin Mary Jane shoes, a delicate tiara, a silk tulle veil, and a bouquet of prop lilies, is expected to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000 (approximately €3,500-€5,800), as reported by the Press Association.
Fashion, always a defining element of the series, is well represented in the auction catalogue. Lady Edith’s wardrobe, worn by Laura Carmichael, features heavily, including her own wedding dress and the dazzling peacock dress seen in the first episode of the fourth series. The latter, with its turquoise, gold, silver, and faux-pearl beading and sequins, is expected to reach between £2,000 and £3,000. The sartorial highlights don’t end there—fans of the Dowager Countess will be delighted by the inclusion of several gowns worn by the late Dame Maggie Smith in her role as Violet Crawley, the formidable matriarch whose wit and wisdom defined much of the show’s charm.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Downton Abbey without a nod to the grandeur of its setting. The bell wall from the servants’ hall, a fixture throughout the series, is expected to fetch between £5,000 and £7,000. Period furniture pieces such as a George III oak dresser and a large refectory table used in the servants’ hall are also up for grabs, offering bidders the chance to bring a slice of Edwardian elegance into their own homes. For those with a penchant for the finer details, the auction boasts items like lady’s maid and footman uniforms, Mr. Carson’s silver pocket watch, and even a script from the very first episode, signed by cast members including Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, and Samantha Bond. This script is anticipated to sell for £600 to £800 (€700-€900).
But perhaps the star of the auction is the Grantham family’s 1925 Sunbeam Saloon. First seen in season two and featured throughout seasons three to five and all three films, this rare vehicle—one of just 45 surviving examples—is estimated to command between £25,000 and £35,000 (€29,000-€40,500). As BBC News notes, the car’s historical quirks, like its faux sunroof-turned-chimney, add a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate. The Sunbeam, along with other lots, is expected to attract spirited bidding both online and in person until the auction closes on September 16.
Executive producer Gareth Neame reflected on the significance of the auction, telling Bonhams that it is "a fitting way to honour the series’ legacy while supporting Together for Short Lives, which provides support for children living with life-limiting conditions and the families who care for them." He added, "The world of Downton Abbey is beloved around the globe for its rich, timeless storytelling. These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives."
The charitable aspect is at the heart of this event. As reported by multiple sources, all proceeds from the auction will go directly to Together for Short Lives, a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. This mission has resonated with both the cast and the broader Downton community, adding a layer of purpose to the excitement surrounding the sale. Dame Penelope Wilton, who played Isobel Crawley, reflected on the show’s enduring appeal and the timing of its farewell, saying, "Julian Fellowes wrote 18 leading characters in all walks of life and it's all about a family, and people recognise that and the relationships in their own lives. I think it's the right time to say goodbye—it's best to go up on a high."
Downton Abbey first aired in 2010, quickly becoming a global phenomenon thanks to its intricate storytelling, lush production values, and a cast that brought both the upstairs and downstairs worlds to vivid life. Filming primarily took place at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, with additional locations in North Yorkshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire lending authenticity to the show’s sweeping vistas. Over five series and two hit films, the saga of the Crawley family and their devoted staff has captivated millions. Now, with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale set for release in cinemas across Ireland and the UK on September 12, 2025, the curtain is finally falling—but not before fans have a chance to claim a piece of television history.
For those unable to bid, the Bonhams exhibition offers a rare, up-close look at the craftsmanship and detail that defined the show’s aesthetic. From the beaded lace of Lady Mary’s gown to the brass butler bells that summoned staff in the servants’ hall, each item on display tells its own story—a testament to the artistry that made Downton Abbey a household name.
With anticipation building for the final film and the auction’s proceeds destined for a worthy cause, this unique event is more than just a sale; it’s a celebration of Downton Abbey’s enduring legacy, its devoted fanbase, and the power of storytelling to make a difference in the real world.
