# Downton Abbey (open spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 8, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966 "2010-11-08T22:35:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![LVBoPeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/858c86/32.png) [@LVBoPeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LVBoPeep)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/41 "2011-01-15T15:45:20Z")
I’m excited for Sunday as well - it’s always a long wait for me while Masterpiece Theater shows mysteries all summer and fall. I hope Bates gets to stay permanently, or at least long enough to stick it to the maid that tripped him. And I liked the scene where the Duke and Mary raided the servants quarters - I thought the actress did a good job of showing her discomfort and knowledge that they were in the wrong by doing it. And Bates, “Would you like to inspect my quarters” or something like that, made me laugh. and…Maggie Smith! ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/42 "2011-01-15T19:09:11Z")
> [@jehan](#): > > According to this (which I have seen in other sources, such as “Debrett’s Correct Form”) she was not incorrect. It’s at the top of the “peers and peeresses” list. Either “Duke” or "Your Grace"would be correct. > > [Forms of address in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forms_of_address_in_the_United_Kingdom) > > It would appear the Dukes are the only peers addressed by title- the lower titles would be “my Lord”. It’s a social situation and they’re more or less social equals. Either Duke, Crowborough, or even his Christian name would be acceptable depending on his preference. Only the servants would be expected to keep addressing him as “Your Grace” or “Sir”, not his fellow guests. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/43 "2011-01-15T19:24:37Z")
[QUOTE=PunditLisa] …However, due to what looks like real affection and respect for Bates, Lord Crawley changed his mind at the last minute and re-hired him. This was a particular blow to the chief of staff (don’t know his real title), Carson, who is meticulous and extremely proud… [/QUOTE] Nitpick, it’s Lord _Grantham_, not Lord Crawley. Crawley is the family name, but not the title. Lord Grantham might also be Viscount/Baron Crawley, but only his _eldest son & heir_ would get to use that title. Since Matthew Crawley is only his heir, not his son, he’s just “Mr Crawley”. Carson is the butler, he’s in charge of all male servants. The housekeeper, Mrs Hughes, is in charge of all the female ones except for O’Brien (who answers _directly_ to Lady Grantham) and Mrs Patmore, the cook (who also answers directly to Her Ladyship). ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/44 "2011-01-15T20:28:07Z")
> [@kath94](#): > > I’d never heard of a newspaper being ironed before, but my husband knew what “the board” was before immediately. The butler also irons the newspaper in _Remains Of The Day_. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/45 "2011-01-15T20:37:01Z")
The paper was often ironed several times a day. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/46 "2011-01-16T01:23:30Z")
> [@jehan](#): > > According to this (which I have seen in other sources, such as “Debrett’s Correct Form”) she was not incorrect… It would appear the Dukes are the only peers addressed by title- the lower titles would be “my Lord”. Legend has it that, when awarding Jim Thorpe an Olympic prize in 1912, King Gustav V of Sweden gushed, “You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world,” to which Thorpe replied simply, “Thanks, King.” ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/47 "2011-01-16T03:31:07Z")
Shah of Iran: “You dance beautifully, Miss Bacall”. Lauren Bacall: “You bet your ass, Shah.” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/48 "2011-01-16T04:11:54Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The paper was often ironed several times a day. Presumably because there were several editions published throughout the day? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/49 "2011-01-16T12:16:12Z")
No, I mean the same paper was ironed over again. If someone left it crumpled in the morning, it would be ironed and tidied for rereading later or by other family members. “Thanks, King” makes me think of the line from the song in\* My Fair Lady\* sung by Eliza, “‘Thanks a lot, King,’ says I, in a manner well bred, 'but all I want is 'enry ‘iggins’ ‘ead!’” ---
**Author:** ![MarcusF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/67e7ee/32.png) [@MarcusF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarcusF)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/50 "2011-01-16T12:50:56Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > No, I mean the same paper was ironed over again. If someone left it crumpled in the morning, it would be ironed and tidied for rereading later or by other family members. I’d not heard of repeated ironing - my understanding was that the object of ironing the paper was to stop ink coming off on the master’s hands, not to get rid of creases. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/51 "2011-01-16T13:26:47Z")
My source for the newspaper ironing info is a delightful book called, _The Butler’s Guide_ (Simon & Schuster, 1980) by Stanley Ager and Fiona St. Aubyn, written by a career butler who entered service in 1922 at the age of 14 and worked for 30 years in a home much like Downton Abbey. > [@](#): > > To Iron a Newspaper > > When the newspapers arrived in the morning, we clipped the top and bottom of the center pages with special newspaper clips, rather like large paper clips, so that none of the pages could fall out of place. Because they were full-size papers, not tabloid size, we folded them in three horizontally, from the bottom to the middle to the top. Then we laid them out in neat rows on the drawing room table, arranging them so only the names of the papers and the headlines were visible. > > We had to keep them looking fresh and crisp, so we ironed them as soon as they became crumpled, which might mean three or four times during the day. Some people screwed the paper up in a ball and then threw it down in disgust if they read something they disagreed with, whereas others managed to crumple a paper simply by handling it. (We always knew who these people were, but then we knew everybody’s bad habits.) We ironed the papers on the pantry table. It took only a couple of minutes to press each one. > > To iron a news paper, you need a warm iron (hand-hot is usually hot enough). Press the back and front pages with it, starting at the top of the page and working downwards. There’s no need to iron the rest of the paper; the heat and pressure of the iron will flatten the intervening pages. Nowadays you must clean your iron afterwards, in case the soleplate is marked by the newsprint. > > Only the better newspapers, such as the _Times_ and the _Financial Times_, were read in the drawing room. I certainly wouldn’t bother to iron the cheaper ones- they are not worth the trouble, and the print is very likely to come off. Right after this, he gives instructions on how to properly roll an umbrella. Geez… I can _never_ get that right. This book is charming, and the introduction, which describes Mr. Ager’s life in service, is very interesting. Suggest you Downton Abbey fans grab yourselves a used copy: > **[The Butler's Guide to Clothes Care, Managing the Table, Running the Home, and...](https://www.amazon.com/Butlers-Clothes-Managing-Running-Fireside/dp/0671436422)** > > The Butler's Guide to Clothes Care, Managing the Table, Running the Home, and Other Graces (A Fireside book) \[Stanley Ager\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. The Butler's Guide to Clothes Care, Managing the Table, Running the Home,... ---
**Author:** ![lisacurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/41988e/32.png) [@lisacurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisacurl)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/52 "2011-01-16T22:25:09Z")
A good friend of mine swears by that book, although he as yet only butles himself. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/53 "2011-01-16T23:40:58Z")
That’s still illegal in seven states, I’ve heard. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2011, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/54 "2011-01-16T23:44:16Z")
Really enjoyed it last week and eagerly anticipating tonight’s ep. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/55 "2011-01-17T04:00:10Z")
Whoa!! The Turkish guy- didn’t see that one coming! ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/56 "2011-01-17T04:16:16Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Whoa!! The Turkish guy- didn’t see that one coming! Yes, that was unexpected and random. Also Lady Mary’s reaction to him “forcing himself” on her was a bit odd. She clearly enjoyed flirting with him, but doesn’t seem the type to indulge in her carnal desires when she was so much to lose. Also do Bates & His Lordship know about Thomas? :dubious: What else would Bates by implying by that comment about him “perking right up” the moment he saw the Turk? I’m loving Dowager Lady Grantham. 😉 Mrs Crawley too. The looks on their faces when he was going on and on about them joining in the spirit of friendship & family. And ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/57 "2011-01-17T05:01:40Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > Yes, that was unexpected and random. Apparently based on a true event the writer uncovered during research. ---
**Author:** ![Bytegeist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@Bytegeist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bytegeist)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/58 "2011-01-17T05:17:07Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The paper was often ironed several times a day. Those Brits do love their irony. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/59 "2011-01-17T18:24:39Z")
Did anyone else see last night’s episode? I’m thinking the new heir – the lawyer – is going to end up with Mary eventually. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966/60 "2011-01-18T11:50:44Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > Did anyone else see last night’s episode? I’m thinking the new heir – the lawyer – is going to end up with Mary eventually. I think he’ll end up with the youngest daughter. She’s the nicest, and prettiest. And she doesn’t have the aversion to working class people that Mary has. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-open-spoilers/559966.md?page=4)