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+ | Cora's mother, Mrs. Martha Levinson, comes to visit Downton, as news reaches them that Robert has lost most of their fortune (including most of the money Cora brought to the marriage) on a bad investment. Cora fully supports and comforts Robert. She says that she will be fine as she is an American, "have gun will travel". He thanks God for her. Cora plans a picnic to a smaller property that Robert owns, Eryholme, and tries to encourage Robert to think positively about moving there. Cora tells Robert that her mother will bring her own drama. Lady Cora learns that Mary is planning to ask her grandmother for the money, but Cora is against this, as it is undignified, and enough of her father's money has been put into Downton. She tells Mary that they have made their own problems, and her mother and Harold should not have to pay for them. Thomas has spread a rumor that O'Brien is leaving, and Cora has come to depend on her so much that she feels let down, even when O'Brien insists that it is not true, and she had no part in starting it. Cora learns from Carson that Mrs. Hughes may be suffering from a serious illness. Cora tells her that she may stay at Downton as long as she wishes. She need never worry about where to go or who would take care of her. They will even hire a nurse for her. Mrs. Hughes is touched and moved to tears. When the stove breaks and there is no food for a dinner party, Cora contemplates sending the guests home. As Martha's laughs and says that it will be interesting, Cora says, "Thank you, mother." |
===Sybil's death=== |
===Sybil's death=== |
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Revision as of 03:22, 3 March 2013
Cora Crawley (née Levinson), Countess of Grantham (b. July 18, 1868) is the daughter of Martha Levinson and the late Isidore Levinson, the sister of Harold Levinson, the wife of Robert Crawley, the daughter-in-law of the late 6th Earl of Grantham and Violet Crawley, the sister-in-law of Rosamund and the late Marmaduke Painswick the mother of Mary Crawley, Edith Crawley, and the late Sybil Branson, the mother-in-law of Tom Branson and the late Matthew Crawley. She is grandmother of Miss Sybil Branson and Master George Crawley. She is American and married into British nobility.
Biography
Early Life
- Violet: "I've written to your mother. She's very anxious, naturally. She suggested coming over."
- Cora: "Oh, God."
- Violet: "Well, that's what I thought. So I put her off. Told her to come and admire the baby."
- — Violet and Cora discussing her pregnancy.[src]
Born Cora Levinson in Cincinnati on July 18, 1868, she was the only daughter of a dry goods multi-millionaire, Isidore Levinson and his wife Martha Levinson, and had an Aunt.[1] Cora has a strained relationship with her mother[2].
As a young woman, she was brought to London around the 18th July 1888[3] for her first season by her socially ambitious mother, in order to marry a member of the British nobility. During the season she met Robert Crawley, Viscount Downton, the future Earl of Grantham. Much to Robert's mother's chagrin, Cora became engaged to him and the two of them married in 1889[4]. As part of their marriage contract, Cora's fortune was tied to the family estate to prevent it from going bankrupt.
Life at Downton
While their marriage was initially one-sided in love, after a year Robert fell in love with her and their marriage was perfectly happy [5]. After her father-in-law died, Cora became the Countess of Grantham, her husband Robert became the Earl of Grantham, and, over their long marriage, which had spanned twenty four years by the time of 1912, the Countess would give birth to three daughters, Mary in 1892, Edith in 1894, and Sybil in 1896, however none of her daughters could inherit the title or her wealth[6]. The solution was to have the eldest daughter, Mary, marry the heir Patrick Crawley.
Series One
Cora was curious about Evelyn Napier, especially since the man seems to be of importance for Mary. Cora asks Mary whether she likes him and Mary replies by saying "I don't dislike him". This then builds up more questions from
Cora and Mary discuss about Napier
Cora to Mary about Napier such as "What is he writing about?", "Where is he staying?", "Who's friends?" and later insisting that he must simply come to Downton Abbey. Cora also reveals that she had a connection of friendship to Napier's late mother. There is a possibility that because Cora was close with Napier's late mother, Cora feels quite comfortable that Mary is writing to him. Cora then starts a discussion with Violet and Robert about Mary's perspective and actions about Napier. Violet agrees that Mary should pursue Napier since Mary is not interested in Matthew anyway. Cora reports that the Napiers have plenty of money. Cora feels concern because Violet does not seem pleased. Violet says that she is pleased, but she does
Cora gives her opinions and thoughts about Matthew
not think the whole scheme of Mary pursuing Napier is brilliant. Violet says that she does not want Robert to use marriage as a fight over Mary's inheritance, Cora reassures her of no such thing, saying that it won't make any difference. She says that the price of saving Downton is to accept that Matthew is the heir of the fortune and the estate. She, in fact, points out that she rather admires Matthew but she does not believe that it is sufficient reason to hand over the money. Cora visits Mary's room to announce that there was a letter from Evelyn Napier which says that he will bring a
Cora reads out the evening letter from Napier
friend from the Turkish Embassy, a man named Kemal Pamuk. She continues reading to say that Kemal Pamuk is son to one of the sultans and is here to attend the Albanian Talk, to create an independent Albania. Cora invites this Mr.Pamuk to stay in Downton as well. She finishes by saying that Mary will ride out with him.
Cora, in the middle of Matthew and Evelyn, smiles about Pamuk's joke during dinner
The very next evening Cora meets Mr.Pamuk and Napier, greeting both of them whilst getting a little kiss on the hand from Mr.Pamuk. During dinner on their discussion of Gwen's dream of becoming a secretary, Cora expresses that it matters because she wants the people who work for the family to be content.
Cora watches Mr.Pamuk's and the rest of the people's opinion about jobs and social class and their impact on the world. Cora smiles at Mr.Pamuk's joke and resumes discussion in the background with Napier while eating. Cora then asks if Mr.Pamuk enjoyed the hunt with Pamuk's reply being " I can hardly remember a better one".
Cora is revealed about Pamuk's death in Mary's bed to Cora's great despair and disappointment. She proposes
Cora digests the fact about Pamuk's death, bewildered
to both Anna and Mary that the three of them decide what to do for the best. Anna suggests to them to carry the body to where Pamuk is staying. Cora is evidently shocked about the suggestion but then is more convinced in realizing of what a giant scandal this would be and how Mary's reputation would be destroyed. She suggests covering him up ? - and hurry because the servants will be up soon. They, including Cora run up to where Pamuk is staying, carrying his dead body. Cora takes out the sheets underneath Pamuk and sees to it that Anna puts on the blanket upon him. Mary cries over Pamuk's body but
Cora and Anna carry Pamuk's corpse
then is interrupted by Cora who stands in front of the door, holding the sheets. Cora says that she can never forgive Mary for what she has put her through. Mary ? hopes that in time Cora will be more merciful. Her eyes filled with anger and sheer disappointment. Cora promises to keep the secret from Robert because she knows that it can damage him but she adds that she keeps the secret not for Mary but for Robert's sake. She also tells Anna to conceal Mary's secret, and with that they leave the room. The next morning, Evelyn Napier says goodbye in the grounds to Cora, Cora asks whether they will see Napier
Cora and Napier, before they bid goodbye to each other
again but he says that he is quite busy. He makes himself quite clear that he does not consider himself an interesting person and he believes that a woman who marries him but thinks that he is boring can never love him because he believes that marriage should be based on love. Cora compliments Napier that his instincts do him credit. Cora suggests that Mary get to know New York to Violet but she says " Oh I don't think things are quite that desperate". Cora told Violet that Mary was upset upon the death of Pamuk, to Violet's confusion not knowing what secret Cora was carrying. Cora points out again that the Entail is unbreakable, confident that Mary cannot inherit. Cora orders Branson to take Sybil to Ripon tomorrow for a new frock. She says " So women's rights begin at home? Well I'm all for that" in Sybil's
Cora tries to comfort Mary
discussion on women. She also discusses schooling in America, saying how its very different in Britain because they are taught only French and how to curtsy. Cora follows Mary to her room to find her crying, she learns how sad and angry and jealous Mary is about Matthew. Cora keeps reassuring her that her family loves her but Mary breaks down and blames everything. Mary ends by saying " Things will look better earlier in the morning, isn't that what you always say" and she replies by saying " that's because its usually true." Cora then finishes by saying that she must not quarrel with Matthew because Mary might need him someday. Cora seems quite surprised in seeing her daughter Sybil wear a more boyish frock.
Series Two
Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Upon returning to Downton Abbey from the London season in July 1914, Cora feels ill and Dr. Clarkson pays a house call on her. After examining her, she learns that she is pregnant again after 18 years, much to Robert's shock. Both she and Robert were thrilled at the news, as they hoped they would finally have a son and heir. Dr. Clarkson tells Robert that Cora is probably about four months pregnant meaning she conceived presumably sometime from early to mid March 1914.
The pregnancy complicates Matthew's still unanswered marriage proposal to Mary. Mary is staying with her aunt Rosamund in London and promised that she will answer Mattthew when she returns to Downton. Rosamund tells Mary that she should accept Matthew now and then she can break off the engagement if the baby is a boy. Violet also says she would accept Matthew now and not wait for the baby to be born. Mary still hesitates. Matthew assumes it is only because of her worry that Cora will have a son and supersede Matthew as the heir. Mary is actually hesitant because she feels that she must reveal the secret of her and Kemal Pamuk to Matthew.
At the same time, Violet is trying to find a replacement for her lady's maid Simmons and requests Cora's assistance. Sarah O'Brien misinterprets that Cora is looking to replace her and grows bitter and resentful. While Cora is bathing, Sarah slides a wet bar of soap next to the bath. Sarah, realizing that this is too evil and has second thoughts, but as she is about to stop Cora, Cora slips on the floor. The fall caused a miscarriage. Robert, in tears, tells Bates that he learned from Dr. Clarkson that the baby would have been a son. Cora is still recuperating when news arrives at that Britain has declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914. Sarah's guilt causes her to be completely loyal and protective of Cora.
Had the baby been born, he would have become Viscount Downton at birth, and the heir apparent to the Earldom of Grantham, superseding his father's heir presumptive Matthew Crawley.
Series 3
Cora's mother, Mrs. Martha Levinson, comes to visit Downton, as news reaches them that Robert has lost most of their fortune (including most of the money Cora brought to the marriage) on a bad investment. Cora fully supports and comforts Robert. She says that she will be fine as she is an American, "have gun will travel". He thanks God for her. Cora plans a picnic to a smaller property that Robert owns, Eryholme, and tries to encourage Robert to think positively about moving there. Cora tells Robert that her mother will bring her own drama. Lady Cora learns that Mary is planning to ask her grandmother for the money, but Cora is against this, as it is undignified, and enough of her father's money has been put into Downton. She tells Mary that they have made their own problems, and her mother and Harold should not have to pay for them. Thomas has spread a rumor that O'Brien is leaving, and Cora has come to depend on her so much that she feels let down, even when O'Brien insists that it is not true, and she had no part in starting it. Cora learns from Carson that Mrs. Hughes may be suffering from a serious illness. Cora tells her that she may stay at Downton as long as she wishes. She need never worry about where to go or who would take care of her. They will even hire a nurse for her. Mrs. Hughes is touched and moved to tears. When the stove breaks and there is no food for a dinner party, Cora contemplates sending the guests home. As Martha's laughs and says that it will be interesting, Cora says, "Thank you, mother."
Sybil's death
In Episode 3.05 Cora's youngest daughter Sybil died after giving birth to her daughter, Miss Sybil Branson. Cora at first blamed Robert for her death as he didn't want her to go to the hospital, but they later reconciled after Violet convinced Dr Clarkson to say that even if Sybil had gone to hospital, she likely still would have died.
Notes
- The true extent of Cora's fortune is unknown, however, it is, as shown by http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2012/fictional-15-12/lord-crawley.html and http://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2013/01/06/downton-abbey-premiere-recap-fortune-los/ around a sum of 1.1 billion dollars.
Appearances
| Appearances and Mentions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | Episode 1 Appears |
Episode 2 Appears |
Episode 3 Appears |
Episode 4 Appears |
Episode 5 Appears |
Episode 6 Appears |
Episode 7 Appears |
— | — |
| Series 2 | Episode 1 Appears |
Episode 2 Appears |
Episode 3 Appears |
Episode 4 Appears |
Episode 5 Appears |
Episode 6 Appears |
Episode 7 Appears |
Episode 8 Appears |
Christmas Special Appears |
| Series 3 | Episode 1 Appears |
Episode 2 Appears |
Episode 3 Appears |
Episode 4 Appears |
Episode 5 Appears |
Episode 6 Appears |
Episode 7 Appears |
Episode 8 Appears |
Christmas Special Appears |
| Series 4 | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Christmas Special |
| Series 5 | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Christmas Special |
| Series 6 | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Christmas Special |
References
- ↑ It is unknown as to wether the aunt was from her mother's side or her father's side, or whether the aunt was by blood or by marriage, but Cora mentions in Episode 1.06, that she has an Aunt
- ↑ Cora says "Oh, god!" in Episode 1.07 at the thought of her mother coming to visit her.
- ↑ Cora was an heiress as the time, so it must have been on or after her twentieth birthday that she came to London, as her father died sometime before she turned 20
- ↑ The press pack confirms that Robert and Cora married in 1889:
- ↑ In episode 1, when Robert states that Mary would never be happy with a fortune hunter, Cora says "I was." thus showing that her marriage, despite Robert only marrying her for her money, was a happy one.
- ↑ "24 years ago, you married Cora, against my wishes, for her money. Give it away now, what was the point of your peculiar marriage in the first place?"; Violet says this in 1912 and this, thus, places Robert and Cora's marriage in 1889; the press pack also confirms that Robert and Cora married in 1889:
