Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (b.1869) is the the patriarch of Downton Abbey, is the son of the late Patrick and Violet Crawley. He is the brother of Lady Rosamund, he is the husband of Cora Crawley nee Levinson, he is the son-in-law of the late Isadore and Martha Levinson, He is the father of his three daughters Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Lady Sybil. Tom Branson is his son-in-law and Matthew Crawley is his future son-in-law, third cousin and heir. He is soon-to-be a grandfather to his youngest daughter and son-in-law's first child.
Personality
Since his childhood, he has always been instructed that it will someday be his role to take over the estate. As a result, he is a capable and determined man. He puts his duty above all else, including love. He first married Cora Crawley because it would get the family out of debt, but eventually fell in love with her after they were already married.
Relationships
Robert Crawley is deeply in love, and close with, his American wife Cora Crawley. He is also close with his mother, Violet Crawley. He may have a relationship with his housemaid, Jane Moorsum, given the fact that he kissed her.
Career as a Soldier
It is believed that Robert Crawley took part in the Boer War, alongside John Bates, who later became his valet and a victim who saved the lord in the war. He was given a figurehead post during the First World War.